Better understanding of China through its former 3 capitals

How could we better understand China, who has grown to one of the G2? To do so, we can learn the language, watching Chinese movies or reading novels. Former head of the Korea Society of Chinese Language and Literature, the author seeks for a hint from Changan, Luoyang and Beijing, the three capital cities of Chinese history.

The author believes that China has been changing its character according to where the capital was located throughout history. Changan, the capital of Qin and Han dynasties, and Beijing, the capital city during Yuan, Myung and Qing era were not selected for the sake of the people’s welfare. The two cities were actually located on the edges of the land, far from the Central Plain, but designated as capital by kingdoms built by immigrants, in order to easily supply commodities from their original land, which were used to maintain the oppressive regime. As such, it was a "dark age" for Chinese culture, being contaminated by outsiders. On the other hand, Luoyang, an inland city, served as capital of when intellectuals were respected and the government was less oppressive, and culture and science flourished.

The book consists of five chapters on Chinese history and dynasties, which had their capital in Changan, Luoyang and Beijing. For instance, it presents a fresh view that the Han culture only began to develop during the East Han era (25 - 220 A.D.) when Luoyang was the capital and scholars were appointed as officials, rather than during the West Han era (206 B.C. - 8 A.D.) that was centered in Changan and promoted feudalism.

Then what about today’s China whose capital is Beijing? The author points out that Beijing of today should be seen different from the past.t Beijing is trying to create a new culture based on tradition and it is not viewed as a remote region of the country any longer.

김배중기자 wanted@donga.com