China - Historical Capitals
Essential Historical Capitals and Walled Cities in China
I. The "Four Great Ancient Capitals" (Unmissable)
| City | Dynasties Served | Why It's Worth Visiting | Key Historical Sites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xi'an (西安) - Chang'an | 13 Dynasties (e.g., Qin, Han, Tang) | The starting point of the Silk Road and one of the most powerful and cosmopolitan cities in world history (especially under the Tang). | Terracotta Army, Xi'an City Wall (fully intact and bikeable), Great Mosque (blending Chinese/Islamic architecture), Big Wild Goose Pagoda. |
| Beijing (北京) - Dadu | 6 Dynasties (e.g., Yuan, Ming, Qing) | The longest-serving modern capital and the center of Imperial Power for the last six centuries. | Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen Square, Great Wall (Mutianyu/Badaling sections nearby), Hutong alleyways. |
| Nanjing (南京) | 6 Dynasties (e.g., Eastern Wu, Ming, Republic of China) | A city of resilience, cultural refinement, and sorrow. Often served as a southern capital when the north was unstable. | Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan), Nanjing City Wall (very well-preserved sections), Confucius Temple (Fuzi Miao). |
| Luoyang (洛阳) | 13 Dynasties (e.g., Eastern Han, Northern Wei) | China's oldest continuously inhabited city and the place where Buddhism first established a foothold. | Longmen Grottoes (spectacular Buddhist carvings), White Horse Temple (China's first Buddhist temple), Luoyang Museum. |
II. Other Important Historical/Walled Cities
| City | Dynasties/Era | Why It's Worth Visiting | Key Historical Sites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pingyao (平遥) | Ming and Qing Dynasties | A rare and perfectly preserved ancient walled city that was the heart of China's financial system in the 19th century. | Pingyao City Wall (fully intact), Rishengchang Exchange Shop (China's first modern bank), Confucius Temple. |
| Kaifeng (开封) | 7 Dynasties (e.g., Song) | The capital during the Northern Song Dynasty, known for its sophistication, economy, and as the setting for many classic Chinese novels. | Iron Pagoda (Tie Ta) (a beautiful Song-era pagoda), Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden (a living museum of Song Dynasty life). |
| Hangzhou (杭州) | Southern Song Dynasty | Known as the "Paradise on Earth," this was the capital after the fall of the Northern Song. Known for its literary and natural beauty. | West Lake (Xi Hu) (a UNESCO site), Lingyin Temple (ancient Buddhist temple), the historical street Hefang Street (河坊街). |
| Datong (大同) | Northern Wei Dynasty | Served as the capital during a critical period of northern nomadic dynasties, leading to a unique artistic blending. | Yungang Grottoes (magnificent Buddhist cave carvings, a UNESCO site), Hanging Monastery (Xuankong Si) (nearby, a monastery built into a cliff). |
Summary of Historical Focus
- For Imperial Grandeur: Beijing and Xi'an are essential.
- For Buddhist Art History: Luoyang and Datong offer the best cave grottoes.
- For an Intact Walled City: Pingyao is the best example of a complete, functioning city wall and historical commercial center.