宋朝始于960年，一直延續到1279年。這一時期，中國經濟大幅增長，成為世界上最先進的經濟體，科學、技術、哲學和數學蓬勃發展。宋代中國是世界歷史上首先發行紙幣的國家。宋朝還最早使用火藥并發明了活字(movable)印刷。人口增長迅速，越來越多的人住進城市，那里有熱鬧的娛樂場所。社會生活多種多樣。人們聚集在一起觀看和交易珍貴藝術品。宋朝的政府體制在當時也是先進的。政府官員均通過競爭性考試選拔任用。

　　The Song dynasty began in 960 and continued until 1279. During this period, China experienced sharp economic growth and became the world's most advanced economy, with science, technology, philosophy, and mathematics flourishing. It was the first government to issue banknotes in the whole history of the world and also the earliest to use gunpowder and invent the movable type printing. The high fertility made a growing number of people flock to cities where there were lively entertainment quarters. Social life during the Song was vibrant. Citizens gathered to view and trade precious artworks. The Song’s government system was also advanced then. For example, government officials were recruited through competitive examinations.