The development of agriculture and commerce in Song Dynasty surpassed that in Tang Dynasty. According to the agricultural data at that time, compared with the Tang Dynasty, the grain output, cultivated land area, agricultural tools and production technology, water conservancy and commercialization of agricultural products in the Song Dynasty were significantly improved. Handicraft industry in Song Dynasty, especially shipbuilding, navigation, pottery making, textile and printing and dyeing developed rapidly.
In terms of science and technology, the invention and use of printing, gunpowder and compass in China, the recording of new superstars and the drawing of the earliest astronomical map in the world, Yang Hui's opening method, and the emergence of scientific and technological works such as Shen Kuo's Talk about Meng Xi, Li Jie's Building French Style and Ding Du's General Theory of Military Strategy all show the advanced level and brilliant achievements of science and technology.
In terms of literature and art, Song Ci and Neo-Confucianism became two synonyms in the Song Dynasty. Song Ci can be compared with Han Fu and Tang Poetry, and Song Neo-Confucianism can be compared with pre-Qin Confucianism, Han Confucian Classics, Wei-Jin Metaphysics and Sui-Tang Buddhism.
Calligraphy and painting in Song Dynasty are also inferior to those in previous dynasties and later generations, representing the highest artistic level of Chinese painting. Not to mention the emergence of a large number of writers in the Song Dynasty, with bright stars and leading roles. These people are not only officials, poets and scholars, but also generalists who are proficient in painting and calligraphy. Su Like Dongpo and Fan Zhongyan are both poets and essayists, who have high attainments in painting, calligraphy and temperament.