Final answer:
The golden age of Chinese history featured significant technological and mathematical advancements such as the first movable type press and the use of negative coefficients, but also periods of isolationism, especially following Zheng He's voyages during the Ming Dynasty.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chinese Innovation and Isolation During the Golden Age
During the golden age of Chinese dynasties such as the Tang and Song, there was a remarkable period of innovation and cultural prosperity. Technological advancements contributed to major breakthroughs in various fields. The Song Dynasty, for instance, is credited with the creation of the first movable type press, a breakthrough that significantly predates Gutenberg's printing press in Germany. In terms of mathematical achievements, the Chinese were also ahead of their time, being the first to define the use of negative coefficients in mathematics.
Despite their ingenuity, there was a complex relationship with the outside world. During the Ming Dynasty, after the impressive expeditions of Zheng He, China took a turn towards isolationism, limiting foreign contacts and trade.
However, it is important to note that the policy of isolationism was not consistent through all Chinese history. While the Qing Dynasty eventually embraced a more isolated stance, earlier dynasties, such as Tang and Song, engaged significantly in trade and cultural exchange, influencing and being influenced by the world around them.