← Explore on the interactive map

Jin Moves Capital to Kaifeng

Type Event Region Asia Time 1214

In 1214, under Mongol military pressure, the Jin dynasty moved its capital south from Zhongdu to Kaifeng (then called Nanjing), weakening northern de…

Timeline

  1. 1214Zhongdu · Beijing MunicipalityAfter Mongol forces broke through Juyong Pass and other northern defenses, Emperor Xuanzong of Jin, amid court debate between war and peace factions, decided to abandon Zhongdu and move the capital south to evade the Mongol advance.
  2. 1214Kaifeng · Kaifeng CityThe Jin dynasty relocated its capital to Kaifeng, renaming it Nanjing. Court institutions and some imperial clansmen moved south, while Zhongdu's defense was left to Wanyan Chenghui and others, greatly weakening northern defenses.

Sources