Capital city

Author: Liu Bo, Yang Liu / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: The Chinese nation can be considered one that loves its homeland and is attached to its soil, yet historically China has been one of the most frequently established capitals in the world and also one with the most imperial capitals. This seems highly contradictory. However, by tracing the history of establishing capitals, this puzzle can be unraveled. Throughout Chinese history, hundreds of cities have served as capitals for various dynasties, and their establishment processes follow a highly systematic and orderly pattern, much like a game of chess. These imperial capitals are like individual "chess pieces," each representing a specific period of civilization, and the trajectory of these pieces falling onto the land is the developmental path of the Chinese nation. This trajectory spans across millions of square kilometers of the Chinese continent and runs through the five-thousand-year history of Chinese civilization. The process of establishing imperial capitals is a crucial thread in the progression of Chinese history, clearly marking the migration path of the civilization's center. At the same time, through this thread, one can glimpse many hidden aspects of Chinese history: the political intrigues, the economic fluctuations, the cultural splendor, the social complexities, and the intricacies of human nature. Every dynasty in Chinese history has revolved around the imperial capitals, and the duration of their existence reflects the longevity of the nation. Therefore, understanding the establishment and selection of capitals can provide a clearer insight into the history of China.