Ancient Capitals and Cities

This book explores the importance of the capital in Chinese history as well as cities more generally. Beginning with the earliest capitals from thousands of years ago all the way to present-day Beijing, the various capital changes of China – including dual-capital systems and even five-capital regimes – are covered in impressive detail. The four ‘great capitals of China’ – Luoyang, Xi’ an, Nanjing, and Beijing – receive particular attention for their central roles in the evolution of Chines...