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.