The Shang Dynasty was according to traditional sources the second Chinese dynasty; after the Xia Dynasty. They ruled in the northeastern regions of the area known as 'China proper' in the Yellow River valley. According to the chronology based upon calculations by Liu Xin; the Shang ruled between 1766 BCE and 1122 BCE; but according to the chronology based upon the Bamboo Annals; they ruled between 1556 BCE and 1046 BCE.

Tang's reign is considered a good one by the Chinese. He lowered taxes and the conscription period of soldiers. His influence spread to the Yellow River; and many outlying tribes.