Once largest city in world, it almost became capital of new China, but now it has grown into a fourth-tier city.

Each time a dynasty changes, a new capital must be chosen anew. After founding of New China, new capital was designated as China's top priority. But choosing capital of country is not an easy task, it is necessary to take into account location, population, geography, resources, transport and economy. Weigh trade-offs, weigh pros and cons, and make a decision.

Among them, many cities are considered, such as Harbin, Xi'an, Yan'an, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai, and Beijing. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, but from a general point of view, after rounds selection, Beijing was finally chosen as capital.

Kaifeng was once capital of eight dynasties in history, but it's a pity that it lost competition. But now this "city number one in world" has become a third-rate town.

Kaifeng was once considered a top contender to win championship, but why was he expelled? Why is it now a little-known city of third and fourth level?

Kaifeng is located in east of Henan Province, bordering Shangqiu to east and Zhengzhou to west, joining Xuchang and Zhoukou to south, and bordering Xinxiang to north across sea. Kaifeng is a city with a long history and rich cultural heritage.

Its history goes back four thousand years. In long river of history, eight dynasties successively used it as their capital, which is why it is known as "ancient capital of the eight dynasties".

1. Prosperity of past

An old saying says that there is one Su, two Hangzhou and three Bianzhou, and there is another poem: "Spring breeze blows and intoxicates tourists, and Hangzhou becomes Bianzhou." In terms of prosperity, Kaifeng was second only to "Suzhou and Hangzhou" at that time. Because it is located in middle of Central Plains, with vast plains and large areas of fertile fields, it is a huge grain warehouse in Central China.

At same time, due to abundance of food and temporary peaceful environment, people's living standards improved, Kaifeng gradually gathered hundreds of thousands of people and thus became largest city of that time. The prosperity of Kaifeng in past is evidenced by painting Along River During Qingming Festival.

So why didn't Kaifeng choose a new capital at start of founding of New China? In fact, Kaifeng has enough advantages, such as a deep cultural heritage, a large population in Central Plains, vast plains and flat terrain, When there is no war, food supply can be guaranteed.

However, Kaifeng's shortcomings are also very noticeable, because in 1949, Henan as a whole was still in poor condition, and its strength was relatively weak. Very dangerous. Frequent wars and breakthrough of Yellow River hastened decline of Kaifeng.

While Kaifeng's fame is no longer as good as it used to be, it must be said that Kaifeng is a capital city with a long, long history. Its historical influence is very far reaching. In Kaifeng, traces of human life can be traced back to Neolithic period.

There are many Neolithic cultural relics preserved in Xiangfu District, Wanlonggang District, Weishi County, Weichuan City and other places in city. Six thousand years ago, human footprints were found in Kaifeng District.

The most glorious time of Kaifeng was during Northern Song Dynasty. At that time, Kaifeng was also called Bianjing, and it was a prosperous city.

Zhang Zeduan's painting "Surfing on River During Qingming Festival" very well shows prosperous life of Kaifeng at that time. There are many buildings in picture, feasting and feasting, bustling and bustling, as in a modern city.

Second, rich cultural heritage

Kaifeng City has a long history and rich experience in growing chrysanthemums. During Northern Song Dynasty, chrysanthemums were already very popular. The chrysanthemum cultivation culture in Kaifeng at that time was relatively advanced, with high planting technology and excellent planting habits. At that time, people enjoyed growing and admiring chrysanthemums.

As a result, number of varieties of chrysanthemums and cultivation methods have been further developed. The chrysanthemums in Kaifeng are not only of high quality and magnificent flowers, but also of moderate height and pure coloration. Today, more than 1,200 types of chrysanthemums are grown in Kaifeng. As city flower of Kaifeng, the chrysanthemum is highly respected and loved in Kaifeng.

Besides, Kaifeng is also a famous folk art hometown in China.

The city has exquisite handicrafts such as Bian embroidery, official porcelain and Zhuxian city wooden New Year paintings, as well as lively markets such as temple fairs, lantern festivals, bird markets, flower markets, and night markets. as well as kites, cockfights, drums, folk art activities such as lion dance, pan drum, stilts, dry boat and so on.

Kaifeng is a city with a long history and rich cultural heritage. Kaifeng was once capital of Song Dynasty and its various cultural manifestations are most representative.

In terms of dramatic culture, Kaifeng is also birthplace of Henan Opera and one of the centers of Henan stone carving, which has over 1,000 stone carving treasures in its collection. The art of Kaifeng calligraphy and painting is well known in China and abroad.

If you have free time, you can visit Kaifeng and feel culture of Kaifeng under millennium.