Explore the Ancient Capitals of China. From the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the Silk Road terminus of Xi'an, discover the cities that shaped a civilization.
China refers to its "Four Great Ancient Capitals" (Beijing, Nanjing, Luoyang, Xi'an) as the pillars of its history. Select a city below to reveal its historical profile, key attractions, and significance.
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Different cities offer different experiences. While Beijing offers grand imperial history, Xi'an offers archaeological depth, and Suzhou offers tranquil gardens. Use these visualizations to understand the "flavor" of each destination.
Comparing the vibe of the Four Great Ancient Capitals.
Cumulative years served as the primary capital of China.
Note: Luoyang and Xi'an (Chang'an) served as capitals for the longest total duration across varied ancient dynasties (Zhou, Han, Tang), whereas Beijing is the capital of the later dynasties (Ming, Qing) and modern China.
Planning a trip requires understanding the seasons and costs. China is vast, and weather varies dramatically between the northern dry plains (Beijing) and the southern water towns (Suzhou).
Avg. for mid-range traveler (Hotel + Food + Tickets)