(1368–1644) Chinese dynasty that provided an interval of native rule between eras of Mongol and Manchu dominance.
The Ming, one of the most stable but autocratic of dynasties, extended Chinese influence farther than did any other native rulers of China. Under the Ming, the capital of China was moved from Nanjing to Beijing, and the Forbidden City was constructed. Naval expeditions led by Zheng He paved the way for trade with Southeast Asia, India, and eastern Africa. During the Ming dynasty, novels were written in the vernacular, while philosophy benefited from the work of Wang Yangming in Neo-Confucianism . Ming monochrome porcelain became famous throughout the world, with imitations created in Vietnam, Japan, and Europe.