---
node: yuan
type: period
slug: yuan_dynasty
title: "Yuan dynasty"
lead: "The Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), founded by Kublai Khan, was the first dynasty of conquest to rule all of China. Its capital was Dadu, modern Beijing."
published: 2026-07-09
updated: 2026-07-09
---

## Overview

Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, proclaimed the Yuan in 1271 and completed the conquest of the Southern Song by 1279. In the official classification, Mongol and other non-Han elites ranked above Han subjects.

## Key developments

The Grand Canal was rerouted toward Dadu, and paper currency circulated across the empire. East–West exchange thrived under Mongol rule; Marco Polo's account describes Kublai's China.

## End and transition

Succession struggles, inflation, and Yellow River flooding fed the Red Turban rebellions. Zhu Yuanzhang's forces took Dadu in 1368, ending the dynasty.