* Reestablished the civil service examination system. This helped to ensure that the government was staffed by qualified and competent officials.
* Created a new legal code. This code was based on Confucian principles and was designed to promote social order and justice.
* Rebuilt the Great Wall of China. This helped to protect the empire from nomadic invaders from the north.
* Expanded the empire. Hongwu conquered Tibet, Yunnan, and parts of Mongolia.
* Promoted Confucianism. Hongwu made Confucianism the official state religion and encouraged the study of Confucian classics.
* Patronized the arts. Hongwu was a great patron of the arts and encouraged the development of Chinese culture.
Yongle
* Continued the policies of Hongwu. Yongle promoted Confucianism, patronized the arts, and expanded the empire.
* Launched a series of maritime expeditions. Yongle sent a fleet of ships under the command of Admiral Zheng He to explore the Indian Ocean and beyond. These expeditions reached as far as Africa and the Middle East.
* Built the Forbidden City. Yongle built a new imperial palace in Beijing, which became known as the Forbidden City.
* Moved the capital to Beijing. Yongle moved the capital of China from Nanjing to Beijing.
* Created a new calendar. Yongle created a new calendar, which is still used in China today.
Under the rule of Hongwu and Yongle, China experienced a period of great growth and prosperity. The empire was expanded, the economy was booming, and the arts were flourishing. This period is considered to be one of the golden ages of Chinese history.