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10 Old Capitals of China on Map
No.1: Xi'an, The Eternal City of Empires
Dynasties: Western Zhou, Qin, Western Han, Sui, Tang and more
It is said that every step you take in Xi'an is a step through history.
Xi'an, once called Chang’an, is where China’s first emperor unified the country and where the glorious Tang Dynasty thrived. As the capital for over 13 dynasties, it witnessed grand imperial courts, Silk Road trade, and cultural fusion.
Step into History
Xi'an’s biggest claim to fame? The Terracotta Warriors, guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb for over 2,000 years. The Ancient City Wall, still intact, lets you bike along its massive structure.
Stroll through the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang-era Buddhist landmark, or visit the Great Mosque, blending Chinese and Islamic styles. And don’t miss the Shaanxi History Museum, packed with treasures from its golden days.
How to Plan A Xian Tour | Useful Xian Planning Guide
Xian Attractions | 10 Best Places to Visit in Xian
Getting There & Quick Itinerary
Fly into Xi'an Xianyang International Airport or take a high-speed train from Beijing (4.5 hours) or Shanghai (6 hours).
- Day 1: Terracotta Warriors → Huaqing Palace → Muslim Quarter food tour
- Day 2: Shaanxi History Museum → Big Wild Goose Pagoda → City Wall biking
- Day 3: Mount Huashan (for an epic hike)
Xi'an isn’t just old stones and ruins—it’s where history lives, breathes, and serves you a bowl of hand-pulled noodles!
No.2: Luoyang, Peonies, Grottoes, and the Silk Road Legacy
Dynasties: Eastern Zhou, Eastern Han, Western Jin, Northern Wei, Sui (secondary capital), Tang (secondary capital).
“One Luoyang City, Half of China’s History.” (一座洛阳城，半部华夏史).
Luoyang, one of China’s oldest capitals, was the heart of politics, culture, and Buddhism for multiple dynasties. The Northern Wei Dynasty left behind some of its most breathtaking relics, while the Tang era saw the city flourish as a Silk Road hub. Today, Luoyang blends ancient grandeur with the charm of its famous peony festivals.
Timeless Landmarks
The star attraction? The Longmen Grottoes, a stunning collection of over 100,000 Buddha carvings along the Yi River. Then there’s the White Horse Temple, China’s first Buddhist temple, where monks from India introduced Buddhism to China.
Stroll through the Luoyang Old Town, where traditional architecture meets vibrant street food, and visit the Luoyang Museum for relics from its golden past. If you’re visiting in April, the Luoyang Peony Festival is a must!
Luoyang Attractions: Top 6 Things to Do in Luoyang
Luoyang Weather: Best Time to Visit Luoyang (2025)
Getting There & Quick Itinerary
Luoyang is easily reached by high-speed train (Beijing: 4 hours, Xi'an: 1.5 hours) or via Luoyang Beijiao Airport.
- Day 1: Longmen Grottoes → White Horse Temple → Peony Festival (if in season)
- Day 2: Luoyang Old Town → Shaolin Temple (1.5-hour drive for kung fu fans)
Luoyang isn’t just history—it’s art, religion, and a feast for the senses, wrapped in the fragrance of peonies!
No.3: Beijing, The Imperial Heart of China
Dynasties: Yuan (as Dadu), Ming, Qing, Republic of China (early), People's Republic of China.
Beijing has been China’s capital for centuries, from the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty to the grandeur of the Ming and Qing courts. As the seat of emperors, revolutions, and modern transformations, it’s a city where ancient palaces and towering skyscrapers exist side by side.
Walk Through History
Start with the Forbidden City, the world’s largest imperial palace, where emperors ruled behind golden rooftops. Just across Tiananmen Square stands the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing rulers prayed for good harvests.
The Summer Palace, a lakeside retreat with grand halls and pavilions, offers a peaceful escape. And, of course, no trip is complete without a climb up the Great Wall—Mutianyu or Badaling sections are the best for first-timers!
Top 10 Beijing Tourist Attractions | Best Places to Visit in Beijing
How to Plan a Beijing Tour (Itineraries & Travel Length)
Getting There & Quick Itinerary
Fly into Beijing Capital International Airport or Daxing Airport. High-speed trains connect to major cities (Shanghai: 4.5 hours, Xi'an: 4.5 hours).
- Day 1: Forbidden City → Tiananmen Square → Temple of Heaven
- Day 2: Great Wall (Mutianyu) → Summer Palace
- Day 3: Hutong tour → Lama Temple → Beijing roast duck feast
Beijing isn’t just China’s capital—it’s a living museum of emperors, warriors, and dreamers!
No.4: Nanjing, Where Ming Dynasty Majesty Meets Literary Charm
Dynasties: Eastern Wu (Three Kingdoms), Eastern Jin, Southern Dynasties (Song, Qi, Liang, Chen), Ming (early), Republic of China.
Heading east, we arrive in Nanjing, known historically as Jinling.
Nanjing, once the capital of empires and revolutions, carries a regal yet poetic atmosphere. From the Three Kingdoms era to the early Ming Dynasty and the Republic of China, it has witnessed both grandeur and turbulence. Today, it’s a city where ancient walls, misty mountains, and riverside strolls inspire both history lovers and dreamers.
Step Into the Past
Start with the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the resting place of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor, nestled at the foot of Purple Mountain. Walk along the mighty Nanjing City Wall, one of China’s best-preserved fortifications.
The Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) area offers a mix of history, street food, and riverside charm, while the solemn Presidential Palace tells stories of China’s modern transitions. For a peaceful retreat, head to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, dedicated to the founding father of modern China.
Getting There & Quick Itinerary
Nanjing is easily accessible by high-speed train (Shanghai: 1 hour, Beijing: 3.5 hours) or via Nanjing Lukou International Airport.
- Day 1: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum → Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum → Nanjing City Wall
- Day 2: Confucius Temple → Qinhuai River cruise → Presidential Palace
- Day 3: Xuanwu Lake → Nanjing Museum → Try Nanjing salted duck
Nanjing is where emperors rest, poets dream, and history lingers in the air—just waiting for you to explore!
No.5: Kaifeng, The City of Hidden Treasures
Dynasties: Northern Song
Once the dazzling capital of the Northern Song Dynasty, Kaifeng was a hub of commerce, arts, and culture. It was one of the world’s most prosperous cities, immortalized in the famous painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival. Though much of its ancient grandeur lies hidden beneath the modern city, Kaifeng still holds echoes of its golden age.
Step Into the Song Dynasty
Start at Dragon Pavilion (Longting Park), the former imperial palace site, now offering scenic views of the city. Wander through Qingming Riverside Park, a life-sized recreation of the bustling Song-era streets from the famous painting.
The Iron Pagoda, an elegant Song Dynasty structure, has stood tall for nearly 1,000 years. For a spiritual stop, visit the Xiangguo Temple, once a center for Buddhist learning. At night, the Night Market on Gulou Street serves up Kaifeng’s famous snacks like steamed buns (xiao long bao) and crispy dumplings.
Getting There & Quick Itinerary
Take a high-speed train (from Zhengzhou: 30 minutes, Beijing: 3 hours) or fly into Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport.
- Day 1: Qingming Riverside Park → Dragon Pavilion → Iron Pagoda
- Day 2: Xiangguo Temple → Kaifeng Museum → Night Market
Kaifeng may not be China’s biggest city today, but its Song Dynasty spirit is still alive, waiting to be discovered!
No.6: Hangzhou, A Romantic Escape with West Lake
Dynasties: Southern Song
Once the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, Hangzhou was praised as "heaven on earth" by poets and emperors alike. It was a flourishing center of culture, trade, and silk production, with West Lake at its heart. Even Marco Polo described it as the most beautiful city he had ever seen!
West Lake & Beyond
Start your journey at West Lake, where willow-lined paths, ancient pagodas, and stone bridges create a dreamy landscape. Take a boat ride to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, one of the lake’s most iconic spots. Visit the Leifeng Pagoda, famous for the legend of the White Snake, and Lingyin Temple, a centuries-old Buddhist sanctuary nestled among lush hills.
For a taste of Hangzhou’s scholarly past, explore Hefang Street, a lively historical road filled with teahouses, handicrafts, and street food. Don’t forget to sip on Longjing tea, grown in the nearby misty hills.
Hangzhou Attractions - Top 10 Things to Do & Places to Visit
How to Plan A Hangzhou Huangshan Tour
Getting There & Quick Itinerary
Hangzhou is an easy train ride from Shanghai (45 minutes) or accessible via Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport.
- Day 1: West Lake boat ride → Leifeng Pagoda → Lingyin Temple
- Day 2: Longjing Tea Village → Hefang Street → Grand Canal
Hangzhou isn’t just a city—it’s a love letter to nature, poetry, and timeless beauty! Let time slow down in Hangzhou!
Other Ancient Capitals in China
No.7: Anyang, Home to Earliest Chinese Characters
- Dynasties: Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE).
- Location: Northern Henan Province, on the banks of the Huan River.
- How to Get: High Speed Train from Zhengzhou (1 hour), Beijing (2.5 hours), and Xi'an (3 hours)
- Must-see Highlights: Yin Ruins (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Anyang Museum, Wenfeng Tower
- Suggest Durations: 1 day
Anyang was the last capital of the Shang Dynasty and is considered the birthplace of Chinese civilization. It is famous for the discovery of the Oracle Bones, the earliest form of Chinese writing.
No.8: Zhengzhou, Exhibition of Exquisite Bronze Wares
- Dynasties: Shang Dynasty (early capital)
- Location: Capital city in Central Henan Province, on the Yellow River.
- How to Get: High Speed Train from Xi'an (2-2,5 hours), Beijing (2.5 -3.5 hours), and Shanghai (5 hours)
- Must-see Highlights: Henan Museum, nearby Shaolin Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Suggest Durations: 1 day
Zhengzhou was an early capital of the Shang Dynasty, dating back 3,600 years. It was a major center of bronze production and trade. Today, you can still admire its past glory through the exquisite bronze wares in the Henan Museum.
One day is enough to explore Zhengzhou, but if you’d like to visit Shaolin Temple, be sure to spare another day!
No.9: Chengdu, Shu Han Glory & Giant Panda
- Dynasties: Shu Han (Three Kingdoms), Former Shu, Later Shu (Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms).
- Location: Capital city in Central Sichuan Province, southwest China.
- How to Get: Flight is best way. Also High Speed Train from Xi'an (3.5 hours)
- Must-see Highlights: Panda Base, Wuhou Shrine, Jinsha Site Museum, Sanxindui Museum, Chengdu Museum, Kuan and Zhai Alleys
- Suggest Durations: 2-3 day
Chengdu served as the capital of the Shu Han Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD). Plus, it’s home to giant lovely pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. A 2-day trip in Chengdu is ideal time to explore its historic sites and get close to plump and fluffy pandas.
But it’s not just about history. Chengdu is known for its laid-back vibe, teahouses, and spicy Sichuan cuisine, making it a great place for food lovers.
No.10: Datong, Living Historic Sites in Black Myth: Wukong
- Dynasties: Northern Wei (early period during 398 - 493 AD)
- Location: Shanxi Province, northern China, close to Beijing
- How to Get: High Speed Train from Beijing (1.5-2 hours), and Taiyuan (1.5-2 hours)
- Must-see Highlights: Yungang Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hanging Monastery
- Suggest Durations: 1-2 days
Datong served as the capital during the early Northern Wei Dynasty before they moved to Luoyang, leaving behind plenty historic heritage sites, such as the Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Monastery, Huayan Monastery, and Shanhua Temple.
A 2-day Beijing to Datong tour can cover what you are interested in Datong. It’s time to follow the trace of 2024 Hot Game: Black Myth: Wukong and explore amazing Datong in Shanxi.
Discover China’s Ancient Capitals with Asia Odyssey Travel!
China’s ancient capitals are more than just history—they’re living stories of emperors, warriors, and legendary dynasties. From grand palaces to ancient city walls, every corner has a tale to tell.
Want to see it all without the hassle? Asia Odyssey Travel has you covered! We offer affordable, well-planned tours that take you straight to the heart of China’s past—no stress, just epic experiences.
Let’s turn history into your next adventure—book your trip with us today!
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