History

Kaifeng is one of the ancient capital of China.

In 364 BC, the state of Wei during the Warring States Period founded a city called Daliang (大梁) as its capital in this area. But it has been abandoned after the destruction of Wei.

In 781 AD (Tang Dynasty), a new city was reconstructed and named Bian (汴), which was expanded in 956 AD (Song Dynasty).

During the Song Dynasty, Kaifang was the capital with a population of over a million, living both inside and outside the city wall. Typhus was an acute problem of the city.

In 1049 AD, Youguosi Pagoda (佑國寺塔), or Iron Pagoda (鐵塔) as we call it today, was constructed, which measures 54.7 m in height. It has survived the destruction of wars and floodings and become the oldest landmark in this ancient city. Another Song Dynasty pagoda, Bo Ta (繁塔), from 974 AD, has been partially destroyed.

In 1642 AD, Kaifeng was flooded by the Ming army with the water from Yellow River to prevent the peasant rebel Li Zicheng from taking over. After this disaster, the city was abandoned again.

Under the celebrated Qing emperor Kangxi (1662 AD), Kaifeng was rebuilt. But another flooding occurred in 1841 AD, followed by another reconstruction in 1843 AD, which produced the contemporary Kaifeng as we know it.

Kaifeng is also known for having one of the last Jewish communities in China.