Beijing history

The history of Beijing spans more than three millennia, during which it evolved from a small border town into the majestic capital of one of the world's largest empires. Its formation is a kaleidoscope of dynasties, cultures, and strategic decisions that defined its unique status.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first urban settlements in the territory of modern Beijing appeared as early as the first millennium BC. The most famous of these was the city of Ji, which served as the capital of the State of Yan during the Warring States period (473–221 BC). Due to this historical connection, Beijing still retains the poetic name Yanjing, meaning "Capital of Yan." In those times, it was an important outpost on the northern frontiers of Chinese civilization.

Key Factors of Rise

The rise of Beijing was driven by several key factors:

• Strategic Location: The city is situated at the northern tip of the North China Plain and is surrounded by mountains on three sides, making it an ideal military and administrative center for controlling the northern territories.
• Political Will: The city's status was repeatedly elevated by conquerors from the north. In the 10th century, the Khitans made it their southern capital, naming it Nanjing. Later, the Jurchens established their central capital, Zhongdu, here. In the 13th century, the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan built a new capital for his empire on this site — Dadu ("Great Capital"), known in Europe through Marco Polo as Khanbaliq.
• Trade and Logistics: The Grand Canal played a decisive role in economic development. This grandiose waterway connected Beijing with the fertile lands of the south, ensuring uninterrupted supplies of grain and other goods for the needs of the capital and the army.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The city's status as a capital was definitively cemented in the 15th century when the Ming Dynasty emperor moved the court here and gave the city its modern name — Beijing, which means "Northern Capital." This period became a golden age for the city. It was then that the grandiose Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and many other iconic structures were built, shaping its imperial appearance. As the political and cultural heart of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing empires for nearly 700 years, Beijing transformed into one of the most important centers of power, religion, and art in all of Asia.

Key Milestones in the History of Beijing

The history of Beijing is a chronicle of rises, falls, and revivals, reflecting the destiny of the entire Chinese civilization. The city has changed names and status multiple times, transforming from a border fortress into the brilliant capital of great empires. Below are the main events that formed its modern appearance.

• Circa 1045 BC — The city of Ji is founded, the capital of the State of Yan, becoming the earliest predecessor of modern Beijing.
• 938 AD — The Khitan Liao Dynasty establishes its southern capital on this site, naming it Nanjing ("Southern Capital").
• 1153 — The Jurchen Jin Dynasty moves its main capital here, renaming the city Zhongdu ("Central Capital").
• 1215 — The troops of Genghis Khan capture and almost completely destroy Zhongdu.
• 1272 — Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, completes the construction of the new capital of his Yuan empire named Dadu ("Great Capital"), known in Europe as Khanbaliq.
• 1421 — The Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty officially moves the capital from Nanjing, giving the city its modern name Beijing ("Northern Capital") and beginning the construction of the Forbidden City.
• 1644 — The Manchus capture the city and establish the Qing Dynasty, retaining Beijing's status as the capital.
• 1860 — During the Second Opium War, Anglo-French troops occupy Beijing and burn the imperial Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan).
• 1912 — After the fall of the monarchy and the proclamation of the Republic of China, the capital is moved to Nanjing, and Beijing is renamed Beiping ("Northern Peace").
• 1937 — The city is occupied by Japanese troops during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
• 1949 — On October 1, Mao Zedong proclaims the founding of the People's Republic of China at Tiananmen Square and once again makes Beijing the country's capital.
• 2008 — Beijing hosts the XXIX Summer Olympic Games, demonstrating its impressive development and rich heritage to the world.

Major Stages of Development and Transformation

The evolution of Beijing is a journey from a traditional imperial center to one of the most technologically advanced metropolises in the world. Each era brought changes that radically altered the economy, culture, and appearance of the capital of China.

• Establishment of the Urban Axis (15th Century). The construction of the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven defined a unique symmetrical layout. This central axis became the "skeleton" of the city, around which residential quarters and trade zones formed over centuries, retaining its significance to this day.
• Role as a Hub of the Grand Canal. Becoming the terminus of the grandiose water artery, the city turned into the empire's main logistics center. The canal ensured an uninterrupted supply of grain and resources from the south, stimulating the growth of the population, trade, and crafts.
• Industrialization of the Mid-20th Century. In the 1950s, massive construction of factories began on the outskirts, transforming the city into a powerful production center. This led to a significant expansion of the city limits and the emergence of new industrial districts.
• Creation of the Central Business District (CBD). In the 1990s, the Chaoyang District became a symbol of economic reform. The appearance of skyscrapers and offices of international corporations marked the city's economic transition from heavy industry to finance and the service sector.
• The Technological Breakthrough of Zhongguancun. The formation of a high-tech zone in the northwest of the city created the so-called Chinese "Silicon Valley." The development of the IT sector and science became a new driver of growth, attracting investments and intellectual resources.
• Olympic Modernization of 2008. Preparation for the Games radically renewed the infrastructure: iconic architectural objects, new metro lines, and parks were built. This event also accelerated environmental programs and the relocation of industrial enterprises outside the city center.
• Transport Revolution of the 21st Century. The opening of the gigantic Daxing Airport and the creation of the longest metro network in the world solved the connectivity challenges of the growing metropolis, strengthening its status as a key transport hub in Asia.

The architectural appearance of Beijing is a unique combination of strict imperial grandeur, mid-20th-century monumentalism, and the futuristic ambitions of the modern era. The city's urban development proceeded in concentric circles, expanding from the historical core, with each era leaving its unique mark on its structure.

The Imperial Era (Ming and Qing Dynasties, 15th–Early 20th Centuries)

The foundation of classical Beijing is traditional Chinese palace architecture, built on principles of symmetry, hierarchy, and harmony with nature (Feng Shui). The city was planned around a central "north-south" axis, which symbolized cosmic order and the emperor's power.

• Iconic Structures: The majestic Forbidden City, which served as the residence for 24 emperors, and the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for a good harvest, are the pinnacles of this style. They are distinguished by massive wooden structures, curved roof tiles of yellow (imperial) color, and rich decoration.
• Urban Planning: The urban fabric consisted of hutongs — narrow streets with traditional courtyard homes called siheyuan, forming rectangular blocks. This structure reflected Confucian ideals of an ordered society.

The Socialist Period (1950s–1970s)

After 1949, Beijing's architecture was strongly influenced by Soviet monumental classicism. This style emphasized the power and ideology of the new state. To build wide avenues and new buildings, many ancient city walls were demolished, replaced by the ring roads seen today.

• Iconic Structures: The ensemble of Tiananmen Square, including the Great Hall of the People, is a prime example of this period. The buildings are characterized by gigantic dimensions, strict symmetrical facades, and minimal decoration.

The Era of Reform and Modernity (Late 20th–21st Centuries)

With the beginning of the "Reform and Opening-up" policy, and especially in the run-up to the 2008 Olympics, Beijing transformed into a platform for bold architectural experiments. Buildings in the styles of modernism, postmodernism, and deconstructivism appeared in the city, designed by leading global architects.

• Iconic Structures: Symbols of the new Beijing include objects such as the National Stadium "Bird's Nest", the National Centre for the Performing Arts (known as "The Egg"), and the futuristic headquarters of China Central Television (CCTV), nicknamed "Big Pants." These structures demonstrate a departure from traditional forms and the use of ultra-modern materials and engineering solutions.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Beijing

The history and culture of Beijing are inextricably linked with the names of many outstanding figures who were born, lived, or created in this city, leaving a deep mark on its heritage. From emperors who built grandiose palaces to writers and artists who captured the spirit of the capital in their works, these personalities shaped the multifaceted image of the city.

• Yongle Emperor (Zhu Di) (1360–1424) — The third emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who played a key role in the history of Beijing. It was he who moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing in the early 15th century, giving the city its modern name. By his order, the city's main symbols were erected — the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, defining the architectural and imperial appearance of the capital for centuries to come.
• Empress Dowager Cixi (1835–1908) — One of the most influential and controversial figures in the late history of the Qing Dynasty. As the de facto ruler of China for nearly half a century, she made key political decisions from the Forbidden City. Her name is also associated with the restoration of the famous Summer Palace.
• Puyi (1906–1967) — The last emperor of China from the Qing Dynasty. His life, which began in the luxury of the Forbidden City and ended as an ordinary citizen of the PRC, symbolizes the collapse of the centuries-old imperial system and the advent of a new era in the country's history.
• Lao She (1899–1966) — An outstanding Chinese writer and playwright born in Beijing. His work is deeply rooted in the life of the old city. The writer's most famous novel, "Rickshaw Boy," vividly and realistically describes the life and customs of Beijing's lower classes in the first half of the 20th century, becoming a literary monument to a bygone era.
• Mao Zedong (1893–1976) — The founder of the People's Republic of China. Although he was not a native of Beijing, his name is forever inscribed in the city's history. On October 1, 1949, from the rostrum at Tiananmen Square, he proclaimed the establishment of the PRC, making Beijing the capital of the new state and the center of the country's political life.
• Jet Li (Li Lianjie) (born 1963) — A world-famous actor and Wushu master born in Beijing. Starting his path at a Beijing sports school for Wushu, he became a multiple-time champion of China and later achieved global fame in cinema, becoming one of the most recognizable faces of Chinese film in Hollywood and beyond.
• Xi Jinping (born 1953) — The current leader of China, born in Beijing into the family of a prominent revolutionary figure. His political career and leadership of the country in the 21st century define the modern stage of development for both Beijing and all of China, aimed at technological modernization and strengthening global influence.