Zhongdu (中都; 'Central capital') was the capital of the Jin dynasty (1115–1234) of China, located in modern-day Beijing, specifically in southwestern part of Xicheng District. By the late 12th century the city had a population of nearly one million,[1] and was the last and largest city built in that location prior to the Yuan dynasty.[2]

Map showing the evolution of the walls of Beijing from the Liao to the Qing dynasties (916–1912)

To the northeast of Zhongdu were Daning Palace and Taiye Lake.

Following a move to Kaifeng was mooted by the Jin following a visit by Genghis Khan in 1214, he returned to the city the next year and destroyed it. His grandson Kublai Khan did not rebuild the site but instead built his capital of Khanbaliq to its northeast around the Daning Palace park.

See also

References

  1. ^ Kuo, Kaiser (2008-09-01). The Insider's Guide to Beijing 2005-2006. True Run Media. ISBN 9780977333400. [...] Zhongdu had a population of nearly one million by the late 12th century.
  2. ^ Casault, André (1988). Understanding the changes and constants of the courtyard house neighborhoods in Beijing (Thesis). Massachusetts Institute of Technology. OCLC 18687273.
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