Everyday Life in Song Dynasty

The Scroll of Along the River During the Qingming Festival is the most detailed snapshot of daily

life in ancient China ever created. This masterpiece was painted by Zhang Zeduan in the 12th

century during the Northern Song Dynasty in Bianjing, now modern Kaifeng. The scroll stretches

over 17 feet long and was created using ink and color on silk, capturing over 800

individual people in stunning detail. It documented everything from street vendors to nobles,

revealing how people actually lived, worked, and traveled during one of China's golden

ages. Most people think it just shows a festival, but it actually

captures everyday Song Dynasty life, not a special celebration.