Kaifeng- World’s Largest City 1000 Years Ago.docVIP

Kaifeng: World?s Largest City 1000 Years Ago Have you ever dreamed of going back in time to Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) in China and savor the prosperity and culture of those years· If so, come to Kaifeng in Henan Province. Find yourself in the spectacular scenery there and you are sure to realize that dream. Kaifeng is one of the Seven Ancient Capitals of China. It lies at the plain area of east Henan Province, and on the southern bank of the Yellow River. During the Song Dynasty when it was known as Dongjing or Bianjing, Kaifeng was the Chinese capital with a population of over 400,000, living both inside and outside the city wall. This city reached its peak importance in the 11th century when it was a com- mercial and industrial center at the intersection of four major canals. It is believed that Kaifeng was the largest city in the world from 1013 to 1127. With the influence of a long history over 2,700 years, various cultural relics and historic sites are remained in Kaifeng. Therefore, the city became an important tourist destination in China. It is also the famous “Northern Water Town” in China. You can appreciate many historical and cultural landscapes in Kaifeng, including Iron Pagoda, Dragon Pavilion, Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, Imperial Street of Song Dynasty, Memorial Temple of Lord Bao, Kaifeng Yamun, Xiangguo Temple as well as Kaifeng Museum. Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden located on the west bank of Dragon Pavilion Lake is a grand cultural garden. It was constructed based on the Millennium Picture drawn by Zhang Zeduan, the well-known artist in North Song Dynasty. It is a huge complex of ancient architectural buildings with the imitation of Song Dynasty style. The architectures in the park are simple and elegant. By combining a series of the plays into scenic spot, which reflected folk-custom and cultures, the park creates a wonderful Chinese ancient Disneyland, which gives a new amus