Summary of "VÌ SAO BẮC KINH ĐƯỢC CHỌN LÀ THỦ ĐÔ TRUNG QUỐC?"

Why Beijing Was Chosen as the Capital of China

The video explores why Beijing was selected as China’s capital despite not being geographically central. It emphasizes that the geographical center is less important than economic, population, and historical factors.

Geographic and Demographic Context

Most Chinese people live in the eastern part of the country.
Western regions are mountainous and sparsely populated.
Beijing is located in the north on the North China Plain near the Bohai Sea.
The city is protected by natural mountain barriers, including the Yanshan and Taihang ranges, which historically helped defend against invasions.

Beijing’s Geography and Climate

Beijing covers a large area, mostly suburban or mountainous, with a smaller urban core.
The city experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters influenced by Siberian winds.
Due to harsh summer heat, Qing Dynasty emperors used the cooler Summer Palace as a retreat.

Population and Name Significance

As of 2024, Beijing has about 22 million residents, predominantly Han Chinese.
The population is concentrated in central urban districts.
The name “Beijing” means “Northern Capital,” reflecting its status relative to other East Asian capitals such as:
- Nanjing (“Southern Capital”)
- Tokyo (“Eastern Capital”)

Historical Importance

Beijing served as the capital for several dynasties, including:
- Jin
- Yuan (Mongol)
- Ming
- Qing
The Ming Dynasty’s Emperor Yongle moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing to:
- Assert power
- Better defend against northern nomadic threats like the Mongols and Manchus
Beijing’s strategic location near mountains and the Great Wall made it a natural defensive stronghold.
After the Qing Dynasty, Beijing remained the capital through modern times, including the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
Despite its proximity to the Great Wall, Beijing has faced invasions due to its location on a large plain accessible from the sea, notably during Qing and Western incursions.

Economic Significance

Beijing is a major financial and technological center.
In 2023, its GDP was about 4.1 trillion yuan (~570 billion USD), ranking it among the world’s top economies and surpassing some countries.
The city hosts headquarters of major tech companies such as:
- Baidu
- JD.com
- ByteDance (owner of TikTok)
Beijing has one of China’s highest average incomes and real estate prices.

Tourism and Infrastructure

Beijing is a major tourist destination, famous for historical sites like:
- The Forbidden City
- The Great Wall
Before the pandemic, it attracted hundreds of millions of visitors annually.
The city has an extensive subway system spanning over 727 km.
It is served by two major airports, including the modern Beijing Daxing International Airport.

Environmental Challenges

Beijing struggles with severe winter pollution caused by weather conditions and dust from the Gobi Desert.
The city has implemented measures to improve air quality, such as:
- Vehicle restrictions
- Expanded public transportation
These efforts were especially emphasized during major events like the 2008 Olympics.