Kaifeng, a city located in the eastern part of Henan Province in China, has a long and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. Known as one of the Seven Ancient Capitals of China, Kaifeng has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, served as a political and cultural hub, and maintained its historical importance through the centuries. But a key question that historians and curious travelers often ask is: when was Kaifeng founded? To answer this, we must explore the city’s origins and the key periods that shaped its development.
Early Origins of Kaifeng
The foundation of Kaifeng can be traced back to theZhou Dynasty, specifically during the time of theWestern Zhou period, around the 11th century BCE. It was initially established as a small settlement under the name ofDaliang. Daliang later became the capital of the State of Wei during the Warring States period, roughly around the 4th century BCE.
This early city played an important role in the regional politics of ancient China. Its strategic location on the Yellow River and fertile plains allowed it to thrive agriculturally and militarily. However, the city was not yet known as Kaifeng at this stage in its history.
The State of Wei and the City of Daliang
During the Warring States period (475221 BCE), the city of Daliang emerged as the capital of the State of Wei. This era was marked by constant conflict and shifting alliances among regional powers. Daliang grew in prominence thanks to its position as a defensive stronghold and administrative center.
However, in 225 BCE, the city suffered a significant blow when it was attacked and flooded by the forces of the Qin state, which eventually unified China under the Qin Dynasty. After this destruction, the city declined in importance for a period.
Foundation of Kaifeng as We Know It
The name ‘Kaifeng’ began to appear during theHan Dynasty(206 BCE 220 CE), but the city did not rise to major prominence until much later. The modern city of Kaifeng is generally considered to have been officially founded during theLater Jin Dynastyin907 CE.
At this point in history, Kaifeng was developed as the capital city of the Later Jin during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. This marks the formal founding of Kaifeng as a structured, walled city that would go on to play a key role in Chinese imperial history.
Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period
From 907 to 960 CE, China was fragmented into regional kingdoms, and Kaifeng emerged as a central administrative city under multiple short-lived dynasties. It was chosen as the capital by several of these ruling factions due to its location near the Grand Canal and the Yellow River, which made it a hub for transportation and trade.
Kaifeng’s urban structure was expanded, with walls, palaces, and canals contributing to its transformation into a true capital city. This period laid the foundation for the city’s golden age that would come during the Song Dynasty.
Kaifeng as Capital of the Northern Song Dynasty
One of the most important periods in Kaifeng’s history began in960 CE, when it was declared the capital of theNorthern Song Dynasty. Known asBianjingduring this time, Kaifeng served as the political, economic, and cultural heart of China for over 160 years.
Golden Age of Kaifeng
During the Song era, Kaifeng flourished like never before:
- It became one of the most populous cities in the world, with estimates of over one million residents.
- The city was laid out in a grid pattern, with sophisticated urban planning and infrastructure.
- Kaifeng became a center of innovation, literature, philosophy, and fine arts.
- The famous ‘Along the River During the Qingming Festival’ painting by Zhang Zeduan depicts daily life in Kaifeng during the Song period.
Its location on the Grand Canal allowed for an active commercial life, with markets, shops, and cultural exchanges with other regions of China and beyond.
Decline and Conquest
Despite its prosperity, Kaifeng was vulnerable to northern invasions. In 1127, the Jurchen Jin Dynasty captured the city during the Jingkang Incident, ending the Northern Song Dynasty. This forced the Song court to flee south, marking the start of the Southern Song period. Kaifeng was absorbed into the Jin Empire and lost its status as the imperial capital.
Ming and Qing Dynasties: Revival and Decline
Kaifeng saw a revival under theMing Dynasty(13681644) when it became the capital of Henan Province. However, it never regained the national prominence it had during the Song period. The city suffered from repeated floods due to its proximity to the Yellow River, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries, leading to population loss and economic decline.
Under theQing Dynasty(16441912), Kaifeng continued to exist as a regional administrative center. Though reduced in size and influence, it retained its historical and cultural importance. The city’s Jewish community, which had settled there centuries earlier, also drew scholarly attention.
Floods and Reconstruction
Kaifeng experienced several catastrophic floods that submerged parts of the city, especially during the Ming and Qing periods. These disasters damaged historical structures and affected the city’s ability to develop economically. Despite this, efforts were made to rebuild the city and preserve its historical legacy.
Kaifeng in the Modern Era
Today, Kaifeng is a prefecture-level city in Henan Province. Although it is no longer a political center, it is celebrated for its deep historical roots and as a symbol of China’s cultural heritage. Modern Kaifeng features reconstructed parts of its ancient city walls, museums, temples, and traditional neighborhoods that attract tourists and historians alike.
The city hosts various cultural festivals and remains a vital site for understanding ancient Chinese urban planning, religious diversity, and imperial politics. Its long and layered history from its early days as Daliang to its peak during the Song Dynasty makes Kaifeng a vital part of China’s story.
So, when was Kaifeng founded? The earliest settlement, known as Daliang, dates back to around the 11th century BCE during the Zhou Dynasty. However, the formal founding of Kaifeng as an organized capital city is generally placed around907 CEduring the Later Jin Dynasty. It reached its peak as the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty in the 10th and 11th centuries. Through periods of prosperity, conquest, and disaster, Kaifeng has endured and evolved, offering us a rich tapestry of Chinese history that spans over three millennia.