One corner of China’s internet is insisting that the Tang Dynasty never existed

A bizarre internet debate has erupted in China over the existence of the Tang Dynasty, one of the country's most renowned historical periods. This dynasty, which ruled from 618 AD to 907 AD, is credited with significant territorial expansion, international trade, and cultural achievements. The controversy began when a history influencer, Qiao Yu, used astrological data in a video to claim that the Tang Dynasty never existed.

This claim quickly spread, leading to calls for the closure of the tourism bureau in Xi'an, the ancient Tang capital, and garnering tens of millions of views on China's X-like social media platform Weibo. The Tang Dynasty has been a staple of Chinese education and state TV dramas, making this claim especially shocking. Chinese state media has criticized the claim as "absurd" and warned that questioning the nation's historical narrative could erode cultural confidence.

The controversy has also raised questions about the motivations behind the hoax and its spread, with some suggesting it could be a way for young people to challenge the status quo and criticize authorities.