ABSTRACT
Description: An ancient imperial capital for seven dynasties between the fourth century B.c. and the thirteenth century A.D. It was the last Chinese capital situated in the Yellow River valley. Lying at the head of the Grand Canal, the chief artery between north and south China, Kaifeng also became a commercial metropolis. The city declined when the focus of the Chinese empire shifted to Beijing. Changes in the course of the Yellow River and frequent flooding contributed to this decline. Recently, Kaifeng, with its ancient treasures, has been singled out in government plans to promote tourism.
