The Emperor Wu Reign Period was a flourishing period in ancient China, created by Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24).

Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty carried out several reforms on the policies of the Wen-Jing Reign Period, a flourishing period created by his predecessors, to adapt social development, which enhanced national strength and led to another prosperous period.

During the Emperor Wu Reign Period, several edicts were issued to strengthen the power of the emperor, which required the vassal kings to divide the land to their descendants. Later, the vassal states were divided into smaller and smaller states.

The power of the prime minister was also weakened through frequent personnel changes.

A total of 13 feudal provincial or prefectural governors were dispatched to enhance the control of all regions. The governors were powerful even at a low position, as they could represent the royal court during the inspection.

Confucianism was set as the dominant political thought of the time. Emperor Wu established schools to cultivate talents for the royal court, selecting officials according to their virtue and capacity.

Talents could offer advice to the emperor, and some of them were given high positions for their effective advice. A large number of talents were able to serve at the royal court due to the open system of officer selecting, which greatly contributed to the prosperity of that time.

The trade of salt and iron, as well as the production of copper coins, was managed by the feudal government, which enhanced the central control of economy and relieved the fiscal crisis caused by wars.

The success of wars against the Xiongnu, a hostile nomadic tribe, and the opening of the Silk Road strengthened exchanges on politics, economy, and culture with the western regions, as well as expanded China’s influence around the world.

During his later years, Emperor Wu made some mistakes, but he finally corrected the wrong policies. He put economic recovery on the top of his working list, and promoted capable officials. The changes on policies helped maintain the prosperous period.