Chariots in ancient China

This article is about the ancient vehicle. For the traditional Chinese constellation, see Chariot (Chinese constellation).
Chariots in ancient China
A Chinese chariot (c. 400 BCE)
Traditional Chinese戰車
Literal meaningwar vehicle
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyinzhànchē

The ancient Chinese chariot (traditional Chinese: 戰車; simplified Chinese: 战车; pinyin: zhànchē; lit. 'war vehicle') was used as an attack and pursuit vehicle on the open fields and plains of ancient China from around 1200 BCE. Chariots also allowed military commanders a mobile platform from which to control troops while providing archers and soldiers armed with dagger-axes increased mobility. They reached a peak of importance during the Spring and Autumn period, but were largely superseded by cavalry during the Han dynasty.