The Warring States Period was an era in ancient Chinese history following the Spring and Autumn period and concluding with the Qin wars of conquest that saw the annexation of all other contender states, which ultimately led to the Qin state's victory in 221 BCE as the first unified Chinese empire known as the Qin dynasty.

The Warring States Period derives its name from the Record of the Warring States, a work compiled early in the Han dynasty.