The Founding of Beijing: A Tale of Two Capitals
Beijing, a bustling metropolis steeped in history, wasn't always the capital of China. While its roots as a human settlement reach back millennia, its story as a national capital begins with a decision made in 1153 by a powerful Jurchen emperor – a decision that would forever alter the course of the city's destiny.
From Shangjing to Zhongdu: A Shift in Power
In the early 12th century, China was divided. The Jurchen Jin dynasty, having conquered much of the north, established their capital at Shangjing, located in present-day Harbin, Heilongjiang province. However, Emperor Wanyan Liang, known as Emperor Hailing, envisioned a more centrally located seat of power, one that would solidify his grip on the conquered territories and reflect the dynasty's ambition.
Thus, on April 21st, 1153, a pivotal date in Beijing's history, Emperor Hailing decreed the transfer of the Jin capital from Shangjing to the southern city of Yanjing, known today as Beijing. This momentous decision was driven by strategic and symbolic considerations.
The Rise of Zhongdu: A Capital is Born
Upon its designation as the new capital, Yanjing was christened "Zhongdu," meaning "Central Capital." This name reflected its central location within the Jin empire and its position as the heart of the newly conquered territories. It was also a powerful symbol, signifying the emperor's ambition to rule over all "under heaven."
Under Emperor Hailing's orders, Zhongdu underwent a dramatic transformation. Grand palaces, imposing walls, and bustling markets were constructed, transforming the city into a thriving center of power and commerce. The emperor's ambitious building projects aimed to create a capital that rivaled, if not surpassed, the former grandeur of Kaifeng, the capital of the fallen Song dynasty.
A Legacy Etched in Stone
Though the Jin dynasty eventually fell to the Mongols, Zhongdu's importance did not diminish. Kublai Khan, recognizing the city's strategic location and existing infrastructure, chose it as the capital of his newly founded Yuan dynasty in 1271, further solidifying its position as a center of power in China. He expanded the city and renamed it "Dadu," or "Great Capital." The legacy of Emperor Hailing's decision to establish Zhongdu was thus cemented, paving the way for Beijing's enduring prominence throughout Chinese history.
Q&A:
1. What was the original name of Beijing before it became the capital?
Before it became the capital of the Jin dynasty, Beijing was known as Yanjing.
2. What prompted Emperor Hailing to move the capital south?
Emperor Hailing moved the capital to solidify his control over the newly conquered territories and establish a more central seat of power.
3. What was the significance of the name "Zhongdu"?
"Zhongdu" translates to "Central Capital," signifying the city's location within the empire and its symbolic role as the heart of the Jin dynasty's dominion.