Many notable innovations occurred under the Tang , including the development of woodblock printing . Buddhism became a major influence in Chinese culture , with native Chinese sects gaining prominence . However , in the 840s the Emperor Wuzong of Tang enacted policies to persecute Buddhism , which subsequently declined in influence . Although the dynasty and central government had gone into decline by the 9th century , art and culture continued to flourish . The weakened central government largely withdrew from managing the economy , but the country 's mercantile affairs stayed intact and commercial trade continued to thrive regardless . However , agrarian rebellions in the latter half of the 9th century resulted in damaging atrocities such as the Guangzhou massacre of 878 – 879
Guangzhou massacre
Guangzhou massacre
Tang dynasty