Beijing

Summary

The video script discusses the historical significance and evolution of Beijing as China's capital. It begins with the Ming dynasty's construction of the Great Wall and the establishment of Beijing as the capital, moving through the dynastic changes and conflicts over Nanjing and Beijing's suitability as the capital. The conversation highlights Yuan Shikai's and Sun Yat-sen's differing views, the Nationalists' decision to reestablish the capital in Nanjing, and the Communists' return to Beijing. The script also touches on architectural decisions, such as the demolition of the city walls, and the modern challenges of poor planning, traffic, and pollution, suggesting Beijing's future as the capital might be uncertain.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The Ming dynasty established their capital in Nanjing and later moved it to Beijing in 1420 to be closer to the dangerous Mongol border and built the Great Wall as a defense mechanism.
• 🌐 Beijing was set up as the center of imperial legitimacy and survived dynastic changes, including the Qing dynasty's takeover in 1644.
• 🗣️ Yuan Shikai and Sun Yat-sen had a conflict over choosing Beijing or Nanjing as the capital, with Sun Yat-sen preferring Nanjing for its Chinese roots.
• 🛤️ After unifying China in 1927, the nationalists reestablished the capital in Nanjing and renamed Beijing as Beiping, symbolizing 'Northern Peace'.
• 🏙️ Under communist leadership, Beijing regained its old name and became the capital again, reflecting a Northern Chinese regime with Soviet Union assistance.
• 🏛️ The Communist Party preserved the Imperial City while attempting to build a modern socialist Beijing around it, despite suggestions to build a separate city to preserve historical architecture.
• 🚧 Mao Zedong rejected the idea of preserving the old city walls and allowed them to be demolished, leading to the loss of Beijing's historical architectural identity.
• 🚗 Beijing developed vast boulevards and large towers, reflecting an imperial city rather than a commercial one, with poor planning and high levels of corruption.
• 🚇 The city's public transportation was initially inadequate, with only one subway line that served more as an air raid shelter than a means of transport.
• 🌁 Beijing's traditional housing, the hutongs, were dilapidated and poorly maintained, leading to the loss of the city's historical character.
• 💧 The city faces challenges such as water scarcity and severe traffic congestion, casting doubts on its long-term sustainability as the capital.

Q & A

What significant action did the Ming dynasty take against the Mongols?

The Ming dynasty defeated the Mongols, forcing them out, and moved their capital to Nanjing, and later to Beijing in 1420 to be closer to the dangerous border and to fear the return of the Mongols.

Why did the Ming dynasty build the Great Wall?

The Ming dynasty built the Great Wall as a defense mechanism against the Mongols.

Who was Yuan Shikai and what was his stance on Beijing and Nanjing?

Yuan Shikai was the first President of the Republic of China. He preferred Beijing, viewing it as a place where foreign Mongols and Manchus had made their capital, while he considered Nanjing as a place for Chinese.

What was the reason behind the renaming of Beijing to Beiping?

Beijing was renamed Beiping, meaning 'Northern Peace,' when the nationalists unified the country in 1927 and reestablished the capital in Nanjing.

How did the Communist Party's leadership impact Beijing's status as the capital?

Under Communist leadership, Beijing reverted to being the capital and got its old name back, as they saw it as more useful than Nanjing due to their Northern Chinese base and assistance from the Soviet Union.

What was the proposal made by architect and city planner Liang Sicheng for Beijing's development?

Liang Sicheng proposed building a new Beijing separate from the old city to preserve its great architecture and power symbolic power, with a modern socialist Beijing next to it.

What was Mao Zedong's decision regarding Liang Sicheng's proposal for Beijing's development?

Mao Zedong rejected Liang Sicheng's proposal and instead initiated the demolition of the city walls, leading to the construction of vast boulevards with large towers.

How did the demolition of the city walls affect Beijing's identity?

The demolition of the city walls, which had architecturally defined Beijing as a cultural nexus of power in East Asia, led to the loss of its unique identity and contributed to poor urban planning.

What are some of the challenges Beijing faces in terms of urban planning and infrastructure?

Beijing faces challenges such as poor planning, high levels of corruption, traffic congestion due to numerous ring roads, and severe pollution.

What is the current status of Beijing's traditional housing, the hutongs?

The traditional hutongs of Beijing were dilapidated and not well maintained, leading to their eventual demolition and replacement with modern structures.

What is the speculation about Beijing's future as the capital of China?

There is speculation that by 2035, the capital of China might be relocated elsewhere due to Beijing's increasing water scarcity and ongoing urban challenges.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ The Historical Significance of Beijing as China's Capital

This paragraph discusses the historical evolution of Beijing as the capital of China. It begins with the Ming dynasty's defeat of the Mongols and the subsequent establishment of the capital in Nanjing, followed by its relocation to Beijing in 1420. The move was partly strategic, to be closer to the dangerous border and to fend off potential Mongol invasions. The Ming dynasty is credited with constructing the Great Wall as a defense mechanism. Despite dynastic changes and the burning of some palaces in 1644 when the Qing dynasty took over, Beijing was rebuilt and became a symbol of imperial rule. The conversation highlights the political conflicts over the choice of capital between Yuan Shikai and Sun Yat-sen, with a preference for Nanjing by Sun due to its Chinese roots, as opposed to Beijing, which was seen as the capital of foreign rulers like the Mongols and Manchus. The nationalists later reestablished the capital in Nanjing in 1927, renaming Beijing to Beiping, symbolizing 'Northern Peace.' The discussion concludes with the return of Beijing as the capital under communist leadership, with Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping setting up their government in the Imperial Gardens of Zhongnanhai, and the city's transformation under their rule.

05:01

🏗️ The Transformation and Challenges of Beijing's Urban Planning

The second paragraph delves into the urban planning and transformation of Beijing, particularly under Mao Zedong's rule. It describes the tragic demolition of Beijing's defining city walls, which were architectural marvels and a symbol of the city's historical and cultural significance. The decision to tear down the walls was influenced by modern government practices and Russian recommendations, despite the lack of vehicular traffic at the time. This act is seen as a significant loss for Beijing's identity. The paragraph also touches on the poor planning and corruption that has plagued Beijing, contrasting it with Shanghai's more successful urban development. The discussion highlights the city's inadequate public transportation, initially consisting of a single subway line designed as an air raid shelter rather than for practical use. The construction of multiple ring roads has led to traffic congestion and pollution, contributing to the city's challenges. The speaker expresses pessimism about Beijing's future, suggesting that the city's lack of water resources and other issues might lead to the relocation of China's capital by 2035.

Keywords

💡Ming Dynasty

The Ming Dynasty refers to a Chinese imperial dynasty that lasted from 1368 to 1644. It is significant in the script as it discusses the Ming's defeat of the Mongols, their establishment of the capital in Nanjing, and later moving it to Beijing in 1420. The Ming Dynasty is integral to the historical narrative of Beijing's development and its role as a political center.

💡Mongols

Mongols were a Central Asian ethnocultural group that, under the leadership of Genghis Khan and his successors, created one of the largest empires in history. In the context of the video, the Mongols represent a historical threat that the Ming Dynasty had to contend with, leading to the construction of the Great Wall as a defense mechanism and the strategic relocation of the capital to Beijing.

💡Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, and other materials, generally built along the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups. In the script, the Great Wall is highlighted as a Mongol defense mechanism constructed by the Ming Dynasty, which has become an iconic symbol of China.

💡Beijing

Beijing, also known historically as Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of China. The script discusses its historical significance as a capital city, its strategic location near the border, and its transformation under various dynasties and political regimes. Beijing's evolution is central to the video's exploration of the city's past and present.

💡Yuan Shikai

Yuan Shikai was a Chinese military leader and statesman who played a prominent role in late Qing dynasty and early Republican China. In the script, Yuan Shikai is mentioned in the context of his preference for Beijing over Nanjing as the capital, reflecting the political and ideological conflicts of the time.

💡Sun Yat-sen

Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese revolutionary leader and political philosopher who co-founded the Tongmenghui and later the Kuomintang (Nationalist Party). The script refers to the conflict between Yuan Shikai and Sun Yat-sen over the choice of Beijing versus Nanjing as the capital, illustrating the ideological and regional tensions in early 20th-century China.

💡Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu province and served as the capital of China in various historical periods. The script discusses Nanjing's role as an alternative capital to Beijing, especially during the period of the Republic of China when the Nationalists reestablished the capital there, reflecting the political shifts and the search for a national identity.

💡Beiping

Beiping, meaning 'Northern Peace,' was the name given to Beijing between 1928 and 1949, following the Nationalist government's decision to move the capital to Nanjing. In the script, the renaming of Beijing to Beiping symbolizes the political realignment and the attempt to redefine the city's identity away from its imperial past.

💡Communist leadership

The term 'communist leadership' refers to the political authority exercised by the Communist Party of China (CPC). In the script, the communist leadership's decision to revert Beijing to its old name and reestablish it as the capital underscores their intention to reclaim and reshape the city's historical significance as part of their regime.

💡Liang Sicheng

Liang Sicheng was a prominent Chinese architect, educator, and historian known for his work in architectural history and preservation. The script mentions his proposal to build a new Beijing separately from the old city to preserve its historical architecture and power. This reflects the ongoing debate over urban development and the preservation of cultural heritage.

💡Hutongs

Hutongs are narrow streets or alleys, commonly associated with northern Chinese cities, particularly Beijing. In the script, hutongs represent the traditional housing and community structure of Beijing, which were largely neglected and eventually demolished, symbolizing the loss of traditional urban fabric in the face of modernization.

💡Urban planning

Urban planning refers to the process of designing and shaping the urban environment, including transportation, land use, and development. The script critiques the urban planning of Beijing, highlighting issues such as poor planning, traffic congestion, and pollution. This underscores the challenges faced by rapidly growing cities and the need for sustainable urban development.

Highlights

The Ming Dynasty defeated the Mongols and established their capital in Nanjing before moving it to Beijing in 1420.

Beijing was chosen as the capital partly due to its proximity to the dangerous Mongol border.

The Great Wall was built by the Ming Dynasty as a defense against the Mongols.

Despite dynastic changes and palace burnings in 1644, Beijing remained the center of imperial legitimacy.

Yuan Shikai and Sun Yat-sen had a conflict over choosing Beijing or Nanjing as the capital of China.

Sun Yat-sen preferred Nanjing as it was seen as a place for Chinese, while Beijing was associated with foreign rulers.

The Nationalists reestablished Nanjing as the capital in 1927 and renamed Beijing to Beiping, meaning Northern Peace.

Beiping regained its old name and became the capital again under communist leadership.

The Communist Party inherited many Northern Chinese armies, making the transition to Beijing natural.

Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping, despite being from southern provinces, chose Beijing as the capital.

The government resides in Zhongnanhai, the Imperial Gardens, which has been preserved.

Beijing was recast in the image of the communist regime rather than the emperors.

Architect Liang Sicheng proposed building a new Beijing separate from the old to preserve its history.

Mao Zedong rejected the proposal and the city walls were demolished, leaving only a few towers.

Beijing has vast boulevards and large towers, feeling more like an Imperial City than a commercial one.

Beijing's traditional housing, the hutongs, were dilapidated and not maintained.

Mao Zedong's decision to tear down the city walls has had lasting negative impacts on Beijing's identity.

Beijing suffers from poor planning, high corruption, and inadequate public transportation.

The city faces challenges with traffic, pollution, and water scarcity, casting doubt on its future as the capital.

There is speculation that by 2035, China's capital may be relocated from Beijing.

Transcripts

BILL KIRBY: The Ming defeat the Mongols, force them out, and move the capital.

They establish their capital in Nanjing, and

they move that capital in 1420 to Beijing.

In part in order to be closer to this dangerous border

fearing the return of the Mongols.

They are the ones who build the great wall that we now know today

as a Mongol defense mechanism.

And they set up Beijing, and it survives remarkably intact.

Even though there is this dynastic change and

some palaces are burned in 1644 when the Qing take over.

It's easily rebuilt, it becomes the center of imperial

legitimacy, and the symbol of Imperial rule.

Yuan Shikai, and the first President of the Republic of China,

puts his offices right outside of the Imperial City.

ED GLAESER: And there's a big conflict between Yuan and Sun Yat-sen over Beijing vs Nanjing.

BILL KIRBY: That's right, he thinks that Nanjing is a place for Chinese.

ED GLAESER: Right. BILL KIRBY: And Beijing is a place where these

foreign Mongols and Manchus had made their capital.

Of course he's from Guangdong, so he would probably even prefer it further south.

ED GLAESER: Right.

BILL KIRBY: No, but he preferred Nanjing.

The nationalists of course, when they come to power, and

they unify the country in 1927, the reestablish the capital in Nanjing.

And Beijing is renamed Beiping, not Northern Capital, but

Northern Peace, as in war and peace, Northern Peace.

And Nanjing is then to be built as the greatest city in China.

ED GLAESER: It's interesting that Beiping gets it's old name back,

and reverts to being the capital under communist leadership.

Right, they reestablished themselves as a Northern Chinese regime.

They are there, they get assistance from the Soviet Union.

It's another reason to think of why Beijing is more useful than Nanjing.

>> Sure.

>> Large numbers of Japanese puppet troops defect to them in the civil war.

So they inherit a large number of regional Chinese armies that

are Northern Chinese armies.

And so by the time that they capture Beiping in 1948,

they really are a North Chinese movement.

ED GLAESER: Hence the transition's natural.

BILL KIRBY: Even though Mao Zedong himself was from Hunan,

Deng Xiaoping from Szechuan and so on.

And they set themselves up in the Imperial Gardens

of Zhongnanhai where the government continues to reside to this day.

ED GLAESER: And they set about the process of recasting the city in

their image rather than the emperors image.

BILL KIRBY: Exactly. Preserving the Imperial City, not well for

most of this period, but never the less preserving it well enough.

And then trying to build a modern Beijing around it.

They had a choice in the 1950's, the great architect and

city planner Liang Sicheng, who is a close friend of the founder

of Chinese studies here at Harvard, John Fairbank, John and Wilma Fairbank.

He proposed to build a new Beijing separate, and some cities have done this.

ED GLAESER: Sure. BILL KIRBY: Like El Grande.

ED GLAESER: Absolutely. BILL KIRBY: And others have been-

ED GLAESER: Saint Petersburg, right?

BILL KIRBY: Saint Petersberg, you build a new city outside.

And he said that this was the way to preserve the great architecture,

and power, symbolic power of Beijing, and its history,

while having a modern socialist Beijing be next door to it.

And Mao Zedong said no, and began this,

the walls they allowed them to be kind of self destructive.

People taking things to build houses

since the state had no resources to build much in the way of houses.

But basically then they demolished them all and you just see a few.

It's so sad today because you see a few lonely towers here and there, along

what we now call the second ring road, which is where the walls originally were.

And it's tough to see them because they're hidden by high rises and smog.

ED GLAESER: Beijing also has this feeling of vast boulevards with large towers.

Some of which are new, some of which are from the full fledged Mao era.

In part because Beijing still feels much more like an Imperial City, and

much less like a commercial city.

BILL KIRBY: But not as much as an Imperial City as it could have been preserved.

One of the nice things about Shanghai is that almost nothing was built for so long,

until Shanghai began to get rich.

And so it could afford to renovate some older housing, in French Concession, and

elsewhere in particular.

ED GLAESER: Sure.

BILL KIRBY: Beijing, the traditional housing of Beijing, the hutongs were

entirely dilapidated, and not well maintained by anyone.

Certainly not by the state of course,

all of them state owned, as all land would become.

So the kind of tradition, you think of Beijing historically

as a walled city with the Great Forbidden City at the heart of it,

this kind of red and gold forbidden city.

And a series of North China villages all around it in these low gray,

what the Mongols called hutongs.

Because it was the Mongols who made it the capital that we now know today,

then the Ming, and then the Qing.

What Mao Zedong did tragically was to tear down the great defining city walls,

the greatest city walls in the world.

That had architecturally defined and separated Beijing from the rest of China,

and the rest of East Asia, as the kind of cultural nexus of power in East Asia.

Tear down these walls because that's what modern governments did, and

that's what the Russians recommended, and for boulevards in which,

in a day in which they had no cars.

ED GLAESER: Right.

BILL KIRBY: And Beijing has never really recovered from this.

It's been, and maybe this is true.

You will know this better than me,

it's my experience that capitol cities are among often the worst managed cities.

Washington D.C.

comes to mind, not in terms of design, but in terms of effective governance.

So Beijing compared to Shanghai has had poor planning,

much higher levels of corruption over time.

If you look at public transportation in Beijing there was only one subway line for

a very, very long time.

It went into a circle around the Forbidden City,

basically it was an air raid shelter for fear of Soviet attack.

But it was useless in terms of public transportation.

And today they've built ring road, upon ring road, upon ring road.

And you can spend all your time, as I do, on ring roads going nowhere, and

traffic that is horrific, and high levels of pollution.

It's a city that I think defies optimism

in terms of its capacity, in some ways to survive.

It's a city without water, increasingly.

It is a place, of course that

I would not be surprised in 2035 that the capital of China is somewhere else.