ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Historical capitals of China

Hello there little one!

Do you know what a capital is? It's a city that is the center of a country's government. China is a big country with a long history, and it has had many different capitals throughout time. Let's explore some of them!

First, there was Xi'an, which was the capital of China during the Qin dynasty over 2,000 years ago. This dynasty built the famous Terracotta Warriors you might have learned about in school.

Next, there was Luoyang, which became the capital during the Han dynasty. The Han dynasty was one of the most influential dynasties in Chinese history and lasted for about 400 years.

After the Han, there is the Tang dynasty, which is known for being a time of great prosperity and cultural development. The capital during this period was Chang'an, which was a city that had a great impact on the world, with its famous Silk Road trade routes.

Later on, during the Song dynasty, many different cities were used as the capital of China, including Kaifeng and Hangzhou. The Song dynasty was known for its advancements in science and technology, as well as its beautiful art.

The last dynasty, the Qing dynasty, had its capital in Beijing, which is still the capital of China today. Many of the most famous landmarks in China, like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, were built during this period.

So, to sum it up, China has had many different capitals throughout history, and each one brings its own unique history and culture. Pretty cool, huh?