China, a country with 5,000 years of civilization, has a profound historical and cultural heritage. Five cities here are known as China’s five ancient historical capitals because of their important historical status. Here is an introduction to the five ancient capitals of China.
Beijing
Beijing is one of the most important ancient capitals in Chinese history, having been the capital for 650 years. As the capital of China, Beijing is the political, economic and cultural center. During your Beijing tours, you can experience the historical changes of the city.
Beijing is also one of the cities with the most World Heritage Sites in the world. You can visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and many other royal architectures. Climb the Badaling Great Wall and the Mutianyu Great Wall to learn about the great construction techniques of ancient China. You can also feel the charm of modern architecture at the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube.
Xian
Xian is the famous ancient capital of China during the 13th Dynasty, and is the important birthplace of Chinese civilization. Xian is also the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and an important city for cultural exchanges among countries. During your Xian tours, you can enjoy many historical and cultural relics.
Visit the the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and other World Heritage-listed sites. Stroll along the Ancient City Wall to overlook the ancient buildings and lively cityscape around you. Or enjoy Xian snacks on the Muslim Quarter and immerse yourself in the vibrant local life.
Luoyang
Located in Henan province, Luoyang is the earliest ancient capital in Chinese history. The Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple are treasures of Chinese culture and must-see on your Luoyang tours. There are also the ruins of five major cities, such as the Erlitou Site Museum Of the Xia Capital and Luoyang City Site in Sui and Tang Dynasties. Nowadays, Luoyang is also the city of peonies. The Peony Culture Festival of Luoyang China attracts tourists from all over the world.
Kaifeng
Kaifeng is one of the most important capital cities in ancient China, known as the “Ancient Capital of the Eight Dynasties”. As the capital of the Song Dynasty, Kaifeng was the world’s largest city at that time. Wandering along the old streets, you can feel the prosperity of the Northern Song Dynasty. Attractions such as Longting Park and Millennium City Park show the glorious history of this ancient capital.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties and a witness to China’s modern history. Nanjing’s landmarks such as Confucius Temple, Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum Scenic Area and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum all demonstrate the historical changes of the Chinese nation. The Nanjing Museum, a locally renowned cultural treasure, has a rich and diverse collection. Xuanwu Lake is China’s largest royal garden lake with clear water and beautiful scenery.
