Beijing is one of the four ancient cities of China (together with Xian, Luoyang, Nanjing), the best preserved, and famous around the world. Beijing is also known as a cradle of humanity. As early as 700,000 years ago, Peking Man lived in Zhoukoudian area of Beijing.
Beijing City was established over 3,000 years ago and was called Jin City in the Western Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC - 771 BC). Ever since Emperor Qin united China in 221 BC, Beijing has played an important role in north China. It was the capital city in the Liao (916-1125), Jin (1115-1234), Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. During these 800 years, 34 emperors lived and ruled here. The world renowned Forbidden City was built during this period. At the end of the Qing Dynasty, World War I broke out. Beijing became the focus of invaders. The war disrupted the society. Many residences of royal families were robbed and burned down. After that, the whole country was reduced to the status of semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. It wasn't until October 1st, 1949 that the People's Republic of China was founded. Beijing is known as the capital city of the prosperous new country which has flared into importance in Asia.
Here is a snapshot of the major events in Beijing's history:
| Time | Used Name | Event |
| 1045BC (Western Zhou) | Jin City | Pioneer city of China |
| 226BC (Qin Dynasty) | Jin City | Emperor Qin attacked Jin successfully |
| 581-618 (Sui Dynasty) | Zhuo Shire | Population over 130,000 |
| 618-907 (Tang Dynasty) | Youzhou | Military center and business center |
| 916-1125 (Liao Dynasty) | Nanjing | As accompanying capital (now in Xicheng District) |
| 1153 (Jin Dynasty) | Zhongdu | Occupied by a minority group in northeast China |
| 1215 (Yuan Dynasty) | Yanjing | Occupied by Mongolia leader Genghis khan |
| 1272 (Yuan Dynasty) | Dadu | As capital city of a united country for the first time |
| 1368 (Ming Dynasty) | Beiping | Ming Dynasty established |
| 1403 (Ming Dynasty) | Beijing | Emperor Yongle changed the name to Beijing |
| 1406 (Ming Dynasty) | Beijing | Began to built Forbidden City |
| 1421 (Ming Dynasty) | Beijing | Move to new site (now in Beijing City center) |
| 1564 (Ming Dynasty) | Beijing | Central part of Beijing city now has formed |
| 1644 (Qing Dynasty) | Beijing | Qing Dynasty established |
| 1860 (Qing Dynasty) | Beijing | Yuanmingyuan was burnt down by invaders |
| 1900 (Qing Dynasty) | Beijing | Eight-nation Allied Forces occupied Beijing |
| 1912 (Qing Dynasty) | Beijing | Last emperor Puyi was forced to abdicate the crown |
| 1937 | Beijing | War of Resistance against Japan broke out |
| 1945 | Beiping | Civil war between two fictions broke out |
| 1949 | Beijing | The People's Republic of China was founded |
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Travelers' Voices on Beijing History
1.
Feb. 19,2009 19:57 Reply
Mr.Chen said:
The most prosperious history of Beijing should be in Ming and Qing dynasties. Just like Xian, people will be reminded of Han and Tang dynasties at the mention of it. Imperial palces in Beijing are the must-go scenic spots which can help people understand this city better.
2.
Nov. 26,2008 21:49 Reply
Ms.Su(Korea) said:
I know it is the capital of the last two dynasties of China. Any details about that peroid? Thank you!
Nov. 28,2008 00:21
Mr.Qi(China) replied:
well, it is a long long story!That is the zenith of Chinese feudal society, and after the middle period of Qing (1644-1911), the country fell rapidly.
I remember I got a glance at Chinese history in somwhere of this web. Yes!