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Home History and Culture Ancient Capitals of China (Kaifeng)
Ancient Capitals of China (Kaifeng)
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Formerly named Bianliang (biàn liáng 汴梁), Kaifeng (kāi fēng 开封) is one of the major seven ancient capitals in China. According to some research, there were human activities around Kaifeng area as early as the capital of a number of dynasties such as the Later Liang Dynasty (hòu liáng 后梁), the Later Jin Dynasty (hòu jìn 后晋), the Han Dynasty (hàn dài 汉代) and the Later Zhou Dynasty (hòu zhōu 后周). In 960 AD, the Northern Song Dynasty (běi sòng 北宋) was founded and made Kaifeng its capital, then known as "Dongdu” (dōng dū 东都, Eastern Captial). During the Northern Song Dynasty, with a population of 1.5 million, Kaifeng was not only the economic, political and cultural hub of China, but also the greatest international metropolis, and hence the title “thoroughfare of the world”.




During this long history, Kaifeng has been celebrated as a marvelous place with rich resources and outstanding people. The political, economical and cultural development had a tremendous impact not only to the central plain area but also to the whole country. There are many celebrated figures in Kaifeng’s long history, such as Cai Yong (cài yōng 蔡邕), Cai Wenji (cài wén jī 蔡文姬), and Cui Hao (cuī hào 崔颢), etc. The brilliant history gives the city abundant tourist attractions. The replica ancient architectures are built in various distinct styles. Furthermore, there are the Daxianguo Temple (dà xiàng guó sì 大相国寺), the Bao Zheng’s Memorial Temple (bāo gōng cí 包公祠), and other scenic and historic sites.
 


The Bao Zheng’s Memorial Temple

Occupying a floorage of about 10000 m 2 on the bank of Baogong Lake (bāo gōng hú 包公湖), the Bao Zheng’ Memorial Temple was built to commemorate the respectable and morally lofty official Bao Zheng (bāo zhěng 包拯), who is considered as one of the most honest and upright judges in Chinese history. The architecture style is simple and unsophisticated, but solemn and stately.

The Daxiangguo Temple (The Temple of Chief Minister)

Located in the center of Kaifeng, the Daxiangguo Temple is a noted Buddhist temple in China. During the Northern Song Dynasty, it was the biggest shrine in the capital, and also the center for Buddhist activities all over the country.
 
中国古都之开封

       开封古称汴梁,是中国七大古都之一。远在新石器时代早期开封一带就有人类活动。后梁、后晋、后汉、后周都曾建都开封。960年,北宋建立后也定都于此,号称东都。当时开封人口达150万,不仅是国内经济、政治、文化中心,而且是“万国咸通”的国际大都市。

      在漫长的历史长河中,开封素以物化天宝、人杰地灵而著称,其政治、经济、文化的发展,不但对中原地区而且对全国都曾产生多巨大的影响。开封历史悠久,名人众多,有蔡邕、蔡文姬、崔颢等。灿烂悠久的历史留给开封丰富的旅游资源,这里有仿古建筑群风格鲜明多样,还有大相国寺、包公祠、朱仙镇岳飞庙等古迹。

包公祠
      为纪念执法如山的清官包拯,开封市政府在包公湖畔修建了占地1万平方米左右的包公祠,以供后人瞻仰。整个建筑风格古朴,庄严肃穆。

大相国寺
      大相国寺是中国著名的佛教寺院,位于开封市中心。北宋时期,是京城最大的寺院和全国佛教活动中心。
 

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