Ancient China generally refers to the broad period of Chinese history from the earliest civilizations to the end of the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC. During this time, China saw the rise of various dynasties, philosophical schools, and major developments in culture and technology. This era included the establishment of foundational elements of Chinese civilization, such as Confucianism and Daoism.
Imperial China, on the other hand, specifically refers to the period from the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC until the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912 AD. This was characterized by a centralized bureaucratic system, the establishment of the emperor as a political and spiritual authority, and the expansion of Chinese territory and influence. Key features of imperial China include the Great Wall, the Silk Road, and significant advancements in art, science, and trade.
In summary, the main difference lies in the time frames and characteristics of these periods: ancient China encompasses the early foundational periods before the establishment of a unified imperial rule, whereas imperial China represents a long era of centralized governance under various dynasties that shaped China’s historical and cultural identity as we know it today.