The ten dynasties with the shortest reign in ancient China were as follows: 1 Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907 - 960): The Five Dynasties referred to the 10 dynasties of the Later Liang Dynasty, the Later Tang Dynasty, the Later Jin Dynasty, the Later Han Dynasty, the Later Zhou Dynasty, and the Four Dynasties of the Former Shu, the Later Shu Dynasty, the Southern Tang Dynasty, and the Northern Han Dynasty. 2 Song Dynasty (960 - 1279): The Song Dynasty was one of the longest dynasties in Chinese history. It ruled for 1279 years. 3 Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368): The Yuan Dynasty was a dynasty in Chinese history that ruled for 1368 years. 4 Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644): The Ming Dynasty was a dynasty in Chinese history that ruled for 1644 years. 5 Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912): The Qing Dynasty was a dynasty in Chinese history that ruled for 1912. 6 Republic of China (1912 - 1949): The Republic of China was a political entity in Chinese history. The ruling period was 1949. 7 Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (1846 - 1864): Taiping Heavenly Kingdom was a religious and political organization in Chinese history that ruled for 1864. 8 Revolution of 1911: The Revolution of 1911 was a revolutionary rule in Chinese history. 9. Republic of China Temporary Government (1912): The Republic of China Temporary Government was a political entity in Chinese history that ruled for 1912. 10 War of Resistance Against Japan (1937 - 1945): The War of Resistance Against Japan was a war in Chinese history that lasted from 1937 to 1945.