China: Notable Places / Cities / Colonies

Zhengzhou, Henan (All Facts)

• Capital of the Shang Dynasty

• Was surrounded by a stamped earth wall

• Centered on a palace

Hao, Xi’an (All Facts)

• Capital of the Western Zhou Dynasty

• Established as the cultural and political center of China since the Zhou overthrew the ruling Shang prior

Luoyang (All Facts)

• Capital of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty

Loyang (All Facts) 

• Capital of the Jin Dynasty 

Jingdezhen / Ching Te Chen (All Facts)

• City in China known for its porcelain works and considered in the modern-day to be the “Porcelain Capital”

• In imperial times, especially under the Ming Dynasty, this city had the best porcelain pottery which displayed marvels of delicacy and skill for both the domestic market and for export to distant lands

• The Ming Court took a keen interest in the blue and white ware that developed during that time

• Paintings were sent from the palace to the potters to copy in which flowers, birds, and insects were transferred to cups and vases with incredible delicacy

• Ming Dynasty Potters discovered underglaze painting using imported Persian cobalt, in which their harmonious blue designs on white ground balanced their favorite opulent shapes and sinuous line

Macao (All Facts)

• A trading post was established in the namesake by the Portuguese in 1557

Canton (All Facts)

• Port city of China in which traders from England established a factory