Kaifeng old city.  [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Kaifeng is a prefecture-level city in Henan province, known previously by several names as Bian, Dongjing, Bianjing. In 361 BC during the Warring States period, the Wei Dynasty established its capital in this area and named it Daliang. After the Emperor of Qin ended the Warring States period, the city was downgraded as a town. Later Jin (936-946), Later Han (947-950) and Later Zhou (951-960) consecutively made Bian the capital. In 960, Zhao Kuangyin overthrew the Later Zhou and established the Song Dynasty in Kaifeng. The city experienced unparalleled development since then. The most famous ancient painting, Along the River During the Qingming Festival, reflects the prosperity of Kaifeng at that time.

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