Fascination of China
China's ancient capitals
China's ancient capitals
Chang'an 长安 - "Everlasting Peace"
During the 5000 years of Chinese history, Chang'an was the empires capital for more than 1000 years. Since 1369 AD it is renamed Xi'an. Modern Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi Province. Today the necropolis of the Qin emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, which imply the famous Terracotta Army, is a reminder of the splendor of earlier times. The Terracotta Army that was included was to accompany the emperor during his afterlife. What is special about the Terracotta Army is that each figure has its own characteristics and is not identical to any other. The city of Chang'an also formed the departure gate of the Silk Road to the western world. Therefore, a strong international exchange took place in this area. During the Tang period in particular, the city reached a peak in terms of cosmopolitan interaction. The symbol of the city, the wild goose pagoda, symbolizes the presence of Buddhism.
Luoyang 洛阳- "Northwards of Luo in Shaanxi"
Luoyang served as the capital of China for 934 years and is still considered as the center of Buddhism in China. The oldest Buddhist temple in China, the White Horse Monastery, is located in Luoyang. The construction of this monastery was initiated in 68 AD. The Buddhist influence and the arts associated with it are also represented by the Buddhist Longmen Grottoes, which are located in Luoyang. These also contain a large number of statues, Buddhist pagodas and inscriptions. The union of Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism is represented by the Mount Song Shan. This mountain is considered as the central point between heaven and earth. Therefore this place was of decisive importance for the emperors of China and their legitimation of rule. A Buddhist Shaolin monastery, which was built in 495 AD, is located on the mountain. This monastery is considered the birthplace of Chan- or Zen Buddhism. The Songyang Academy was established at the foot of the mountain in AD 484. This is one of the four most important and oldest Confucian schools in China. In the 3rd century the Zhongyue Temple was founded, representin the tradition of Daoism.
Image source: Highlights China (Fülling Bolch; 2011)
Kaifeng 开封
Kaifeng was the capital of China during the Sui 隋 dynasty. The city's sights include the former official residence of Kaifeng, the Daxiaongguo Monastery and the Iron Pagoda. The fact that many foreign merchants settled in the city at the time of the Sui dynasty, especially from the Arab culture, can still be seen today in the cityscape of Kaifeng.
Image source: wikipedia: Dragon Pavilon
Hangzhou 杭州
Hangzhou became an important city for the Chinese Empire due to its geographical location. The city functioned as the southern end of the Imperial Canal from the 6th century AD. Between 1127 and 1279 AD, Hangzhou was the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty. There was a population growth within the city and it gained economic importance. Hangzhou became one of the most important trading cities in China. The turning point in Hangzhou's outstanding history and position was caused by the Taiping rebels in 1861, who besieged, captured and devastated the city. Hangzhou is home to one of the most beautiful lakes in China, the West Lake. The Yue Fei Temple was built on its northern bank in the 13th century in honor of General Yue Fei. The general is a symbol of Chinese patriotism. In the mountains of Hangzhou is the monastery of the refuge of souls (Lingyin Si), which is said to have been built by an Indian monk in 326 AD.
Image source: China (Schütte; 2016)
Nanjing 南京 - "Southern Capital"
The city of Nanjing was founded in 495 BC. Commissioned by the ruler of Wu, who then declared it the capital of China. Subsequently, Nanjing also served as the capital during the Three Kingdoms and the Eastern Jin dynasty. Later, Emperor Hongwu, the 1st emperor of the Ming dynasty, again declared the capital of China. He expanded the city and had the city wall and the Imperial Palace of Nanjing built. This palace is also known as the Forbidden City of Nanjing. After the 1911 revolution, Sun Yatsen took office as president in Nanjing. From 1927 to 1949, Nanjing was the capital of the Republic of China. Today it is the capital of Jiangsu Province.
Image source: expat.com
Beijing 北京 - "Northern Capital"
Beijing was the capital of the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties for more than 800 years. Located in the northernmost part of the North China Plain, Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China since 1949 and a world-renowed ancient city of history and culture. The city is marked by an eventful history. Ever since the 12th century, Beijing's position as a national capital maintained though some minor changes with the passage of time up to present with only minor interruptions. Often destroyed by conquerors, this national capital was always rebuilt. During the Ming Dynasty, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven were created. Today the city is characterized by its historical as well as modern character. These compunds have formed the uniquness and charm of Beijing.