Chinese

Masters of gunpowder and dynasty progression

Difficulty: Hard

Civilization Overview

The Chinese are a complex civilization centered around their unique dynasty system. By building both landmarks of an age, they unlock powerful dynasty bonuses. They have access to gunpowder units earlier than other civilizations and feature a strong economy with Imperial Officials.

Playstyle

Flexible / Economic

Specialty

Dynasties & Gunpowder

Difficulty

Hard

Civilization Bonuses

  • Villagers construct buildings 50% faster
  • Chemistry technology available in Castle Age
  • Docks work 20% faster
  • Imperial Officials collect gold from buildings
  • Can build both age landmarks to unlock dynasties

Dynasty System

Build both landmarks to unlock dynasty bonuses. Each dynasty provides unique benefits and unlocks special units or buildings.

Tang Dynasty

Dark Age (Start)

Scouts +30% sight range

Requirement: Starting dynasty

Song Dynasty

Feudal Age

Village production +35%

Requirement: Build both Feudal landmarks

Yuan Dynasty

Castle Age

Units +15% movement speed

Requirement: Build both Castle landmarks

Ming Dynasty

Imperial Age

Military units +10% HP

Requirement: Build both Imperial landmarks

Unique Units

Zhuge Nu

Ranged

Repeating crossbow that fires multiple bolts rapidly

Available: Feudal Age

Fire Lancer

Cavalry

Light cavalry with fire lance charge attack

Available: Castle Age

Grenadier

Ranged

Throws grenades that deal area damage

Available: Imperial Age

Nest of Bees

Siege

Rocket artillery that fires multiple projectiles

Available: Castle Age

Landmarks

Feudal Age

  • Imperial Academy (officials train nearby)
  • Barbican of the Sun (defensive outpost)

Castle Age

  • Imperial Palace (reveals enemy villagers)
  • Astronomical Clocktower (+50% siege production)

Imperial Age

  • Spirit Way (dynasties cost -30%)
  • Great Wall Gatehouse (stone walls generate stone)

Strategy Guide

Early Game

Chinese have a slower start due to lower initial resources, but their villagers build 50% faster, allowing quick landmark construction. Use Imperial Officials to boost gold income from key buildings like mining camps.

Mid Game

The Song Dynasty is crucial - the +35% village production makes it one of the best economic bonuses in the game. Zhuge Nu are excellent for defense and pushing. Consider rushing Song Dynasty for economic advantage or going single landmark for faster Castle Age.

Late Game

Chinese have devastating late-game options. Nest of Bees are exceptional siege units, and Grenadiers can devastate infantry. Yuan Dynasty's movement speed bonus makes your entire army more mobile. Ming Dynasty's HP bonus makes your units significantly tankier.

Key Tips

  • Always have Imperial Officials collecting gold from buildings
  • Song Dynasty timing is critical - don't delay it too long
  • Use the Astronomical Clocktower for rapid siege production
  • Chemistry in Castle Age enables early gunpowder units
  • Great Wall Gatehouse generates stone income - excellent for defensive play
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