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123-704: The temple complex was constructed from 1406 to 1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor of Ming Dynasty , who was also responsible for the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing. It is currently located in Dongcheng Beijing, China. The complex was extended and renamed Temple of Heaven during the reign of the Jiajing Emperor in the 16th century. Jiajing also built three other prominent temples in Beijing,

246-463: A campaign to clear away disorders. At the start of the war, Zhu Di commanded a force of 100,000 soldiers and only held control over the immediate area surrounding Beiping. Despite the Nanjing government's larger number of armies and greater material resources, Zhu Di's soldiers were of higher quality and he possessed a strong Mongol cavalry. Most importantly, his military leadership skills were superior to

369-509: A defeat at Dongchang, but in April he was victorious at Jia River. The front continued to move back and forth for the rest of the year. In 1402, instead of launching another attack along the Grand Canal, Zhu Di advanced further west and bypassed Dezhou. He then conquered Xuzhou in early March. The government troops retreated south to Zhili and were repeatedly defeated. In July, the rebels reached

492-463: A district of the city until the establishment of the Republic of China in 1911. The name Dongcheng was first given to it in a 1958 reorganization; it has existed in its current form since a 2010 merger with the former Chongwen to its south. Dongcheng includes many of Beijing's major cultural attractions, such as the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven , both UNESCO World Heritage Sites . More than

615-642: A few significant bodies of water, all lakes in parks—Liuyin Lake in that park and Youth Lake in Qingnianhu Park, both in the district's northern portion, and Dragon Lake in Longtan Park at the district's southeast corner. On the west central edge is the moat surrounding the Forbidden City. The Nanchang River , heavily channelized from its days as the once-walled city's north moat, flows across the district's north, with

738-695: A larger campus in the Haidian District when Mao established the People's Republic of China in 1949, and the Honglou is now a museum. Shortly after the university moved, Mao established the Central Academy of Drama , the only institution of higher education currently in the district. Many accomplished Chinese actors have graduated from it, and it is considered one of the best drama schools in China, East Asia and Asia. It

861-535: A new hereditary military nobility. While their income from the state treasury (2200–2500 shi of grain for dukes, 1500–800 for marquises, and 1000 for counts; with 1 shi being equivalent to 107 liters) was not particularly high, the prestige associated with their titles was more significant. They commanded armies in the emperor's name, without competition from the princes who had been stripped of their influence. The nobility also held immunity from punishment by local authorities. However, there were notable differences from

984-430: A quarter of Beijing's Major National Historical and Cultural Sites , and a similar portion of its municipal-level heritage listings. Two of those, the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, are further inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Dongcheng's history dates back over a millennium, long predating the city's current boundaries. Settlement of the area between the city's inner and outer walls began during

1107-518: A quarter of the city's Major National Historical and Cultural Sites are inside its boundaries, with a similar percentage of those protected at the municipal level. Tiananmen Square is also in Dongcheng, along with other popular destinations for domestic and international tourists such as the bars and nightlife in the hutongs of Nanluoguxiang and the shopping in Wangfujing . Over three-quarters of

1230-583: A sharp reprimand from the emperor. In April 1398, Zhu Di's elder brother, the Prince of Jin, died, leaving Zhu Di as the undisputed leader of the northern border defense. Two months later, Zhu Di's father, the Hongwu Emperor, also died. After the death of the Hongwu Emperor, Zhu Yunwen ascended the throne as the Jianwen Emperor. His closest advisers immediately began reviewing the Hongwu Emperor's reforms, with

1353-690: A shorter, rectangular southern end, representing the Earth. Both the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar are round, each standing on a square yard, again representing Heaven and Earth. The number nine represents the Emperor and is evident in the design of the Circular Mound Altar: a single round marmor plate is surrounded by a ring of nine plates, then a ring of 18 plates, and so on for

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1476-599: A successful attack on the Mongols in Liaodong, led by Feng Sheng . The following year, a Ming army led by Lan Yu made a foray into eastern Mongolia and defeated the Mongol khan Tögüs Temür , capturing many prisoners and horses. However, both generals were accused of mistreating captives and misappropriating booty, which was reported to the emperor by the prince. In January 1390, the emperor entrusted his sons with independent command for

1599-488: A total of nine surrounding rings, the outermost having 9×9 plates. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has four inner, twelve middle and twelve outer pillars , representing the four seasons , twelve months and twelve traditional Chinese hours respectively. Combined, the twelve middle and twelve outer pillars represent the traditional solar terms. All the buildings within the Temple have special dark blue roof tiles, representing

1722-482: Is a district of the city of Beijing . It covers the eastern half of Beijing's urban core region, including all of the eastern half of the Old City inside of the 2nd Ring Road with the northernmost extent crossing into the area within the 3rd Ring Road . Its 40.6 km (15.7 sq mi) area is further subdivided into 17 subdistricts. Settlement in the area dates back over a millennium. It did not formally become

1845-501: Is commonly known by his era name as the Hongwu Emperor. After taking the throne, Zhu Di claimed to be the son of Zhu Yuanzhang's primary wife, Lady Ma , who had been empress since 1368. However, other sources suggest that his real mother was a concubine of the Hongwu Emperor with the title Consort Gong, who was either Mongolian (from the Khongirad tribe) or possibly Korean. After becoming emperor, Zhu Di attempted to present himself as

1968-515: Is peak season or off season. Tickets stop selling one hour and a half before gate closing. All four of the park's gates are accessible by public transportation. Yongle Emperor The Yongle Emperor (2 May 1360 – 12 August 1424), also known by his temple name as the Emperor Chengzu of Ming , personal name Zhu Di , was the third emperor of the Ming dynasty , reigning from 1402 to 1424. He

2091-510: Is the China International Development Cooperation Agency (China Aid). In 2017, the regional GDP of the district was 392.07 billion yuan, with GDP per capita at 321.4 thousand yuan. Owing to its many tourist attractions, much of Dongcheng's economy is in the service sector , which in 2001 accounted for 88% of the district's share of China's gross domestic product . Foreign direct investment at that time

2214-431: Is thought that the twelve outer pillars refer to the 12 two-hour periods of the day. The surrounding park is quite extensive, with the entire complex totaling 267 hectares (660 acres). Some of it consists of playgrounds, exercise and game areas. These facilities are well used by adults, as well as by parents and grandparents bringing children to play. Some of the open spaces and side buildings are often used, particularly in

2337-565: The Four Great Books of Song from the 11th century. He also ordered the texts of the Neo-Confucians to be organized and used as textbooks for training future officials. The civil service examinations , held in a three-year cycle, produced qualified graduates who filled positions in the state apparatus. The emperor was known for his strict punishments for failures, but also for quickly promoting successful servants. While he, like his father,

2460-755: The 3rd Ring Road for a kilometer to Jian'an East Road, where it turns east, just south of Yuan Dadu City Wall Ruins Park . This is the district's northernmost section, bordering on Chaoyang . After 500m, it zigzags south, southeast and then west again along local streets to Shenggu Middle Road. There it turns south and crosses the Ring Road again, continuing on Xiaohangzhuang North Street. Another zigzag takes it along Xiaohangzhuang, Xinghua, and Qingniangou roads to Heipingli East Street, where it turns south, to turn east again along Heiplingli North Street. At Jiaolin Alley it turns south again, following another irregular path through

2583-519: The Emperor of China was regarded as the Son of Heaven , who administered earthly matters on behalf of, and representing, heavenly authority. To be seen to be showing respect to the source of his authority, in the form of sacrifices to heaven, was extremely important. The temple was built for these ceremonies, mostly comprising prayers for good harvests. Twice a year the Emperor and all his retinue would move from

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2706-585: The Jianwen Emperor , and launched a civil war known as the Jingnan campaign , or the campaign to clear away disorders. After three years of intense fighting, he emerged victorious and declared himself emperor in 1402. After ascending the throne, he adopted the era name Yongle, which means "perpetual happiness". His reign is often referred to as the "second founding" of the Ming dynasty, as he made significant changes to his father's political policies. Upon ascending

2829-709: The Liao dynasty in the 10th century C.E., when small hamlets began to form outside the northeastern corner of what was then the city (now the Forbidden City). Growth continued through the Jin dynasty , which succeeded the Liao in the 12th century. Under the Jin, the area first became known as the northeastern part of the capital, then known as Zhongdu. When Kublai Khan established the Yuan dynasty later in

2952-690: The Second Opium War . In 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion , the Eight-Nation Alliance occupied the temple complex and turned it into the force's temporary command in Peking , which lasted for one year. With the downfall of the Qing, the temple complex was left un-managed. The neglect of the temple complex led to the collapse of several halls in the following years. In 1914, Yuan Shikai , then President of

3075-609: The Temple of the Sun (日壇) in the east, the Temple of Earth (地壇) in the north, and the Temple of Moon (月壇) in the west. The Temple of Heaven was renovated in the 18th century under the Qianlong Emperor . By then, the state budget was insufficient, so this was the last large-scale renovation of the temple complex in imperial times. The temple was occupied by the Anglo-French alliance during

3198-417: The 1350s and 1360s and was experiencing growth. Along with the hundreds of thousands of soldiers stationed in the region, the city was also home to officials administering the province, as well as artisans and laborers from all over the country. The main concern of the local authorities was providing enough food for the population. Peasants were relocated to the north, soldiers and convicts were sent to cultivate

3321-476: The 42.7-hectare (106-acre) Temple of Earth Park in the Hepingli Subdistrict in second. In addition to the parks already mentioned, others of note include Dongdan Park off that street in the central area of the district and Nanguan Park near the northeast corner. Some major arteries also have wide planted median strips . The Russian embassy complex just inside the Ring Road at the northeast corner of

3444-511: The 72-hectare (180-acre) Forbidden City complex also has many vast courtyards. At the east end, the Workers' Gymnasium has some large paved areas and open lawns in its vicinity. There is also a large open plaza in front of the Beijing railway station . Architecture in the district varies greatly. It ranges in form from the small one and two-story ancient stone houses in the siheyuan plan, that line

3567-544: The CCP, elect their leadership and local officials. The People's Government, composed of several local commissions, makes local laws and enforces administrative policy. Lastly, the district committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference serves an advisory function. All four committees are headed by chairs, appointed by the CCP to five-year terms. While most of China's major government bodies are headquartered in

3690-500: The Forbidden City through Beijing to encamp within the complex, wearing special robes and abstaining from eating meat . No ordinary Chinese was allowed to view this procession or the following ceremony. In the temple complex the Emperor would personally pray to Heaven for good harvests. The highpoint of the ceremony at the winter solstice was performed by the Emperor on the Earthly Mount. The ceremony had to be perfectly completed; it

3813-618: The Grand Secretaries quickly gained dominance in the civil administration. The Grand Secretariat was established in August 1402, when the emperor began to address current administrative issues during a working dinner with Huang Huai and Xie Jin after the evening audience. In September 1402, he appointed five additional Grand Secretaries. These Grand Secretaries were all from the south or southeast and were highly educated and skilled in administration, having previously served in lower positions in

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3936-460: The Heaven. The Seven-Star Stone Group, east of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, represents the seven peaks of Taishan Mountain , a place of Heaven worship in classical China. There are four main supportive, dragon pillars each representing a season. The structure, held up by these dragons, imitates the style of an ancient Chinese royal palace. Twelve inner pillars symbolize the lunar months, and it

4059-504: The Hongwu Emperor's legitimate successor by declaring himself and his fifth son, Zhu Su , as the only sons of Empress Ma in the 1403 edition of the official Veritable Records of Emperor Taizu . This was clearly absurd, as it was unlikely that a son of the empress would not be named as successor during the Hongwu Emperor's lifetime. Therefore, in the later version of 1418, all five of the Hongwu Emperor's sons were recognized as her descendants. Zhu Di spent his childhood in Nanjing, where he

4182-604: The Hongwu era. During that time, the generals, who were former comrades-in-arms of the emperor, held a higher status, had their own followers, and wielded considerable power in their assigned areas. This eventually posed a threat to the emperor, leading to their elimination. Under the Yongle Emperor, members of the nobility did not participate in regional or civil administration, nor were they assigned permanent military units. Instead, they were given ad hoc assembled armies. Additionally,

4305-411: The Jianwen Emperor administration. Despite their relatively low status (at most fifth rank), they were given high titles in the crown prince's household. Over time, they evolved from subordinate assistants responsible for organizing correspondence and formulating responses to becoming influential politicians who proposed solutions to problems. Their close proximity to the emperor gave them an advantage over

4428-709: The Jianwen era and extending the Hongwu era until the end of 1402. In addition, Zhu Di abolished the reforms and laws implemented by the Jianwen government, restored the titles and privileges of the princes, and destroyed government archives (with the exception of financial and military records). He also attempted to involve respected supporters of the Jianwen Emperor, such as Fang Xiaoru and Liu Jing ( 劉璟 ), in his administration. However, they refused and were subsequently executed. Similarly, Huang Zicheng and Qi Tai were executed, along with their family members, teachers, students, and followers. Many others were imprisoned or deported to

4551-463: The Mongol-led Yuan dynasty , Beiping served as the capital of China. After being conquered by the Ming dynasty in 1368, it became a crucial stronghold for the troops guarding the northern border of China and was also designated as the capital of the province with the same name. At that time, Zhu Di was given his own household, with adviser Hua Yunlong and tutor Gao Xian at its head. Gao Xian spent

4674-417: The Old City will be gone. Efforts by preservationists to protect the hutongs were only partly successful, and developers and officials often ignored them. A battle over the city's proposed redevelopment of South Chizi Street, alongside the Forbidden City's southeast corner, at first attracted attention due to its high-visibility location, but ultimately only nine of over 200 siheyuan s in the blocks east of

4797-482: The Oriental Plaza mall complex that would impress visitors to the 2008 Summer Olympics . Often many poorer residents found themselves displaced, unable to afford the luxury housing that replaced their demolished homes. In the 1990s it was estimated that 40% of Beijing's Old City, which includes Dongcheng, had been demolished; some predictions suggest that if demolition continues at its current pace, eventually 90% of

4920-477: The Republic of China, performed a Ming prayer ceremony at the temple, as part of an effort to have himself declared Emperor of China . In 1918 the temple was turned into a park and for the first time open to the public. The Temple grounds cover 2.73 km (1.05 sq mi) of parkland and comprises three main groups of constructions, all built according to strict philosophical requirements: In ancient China ,

5043-681: The Ring Road on the south. From Tiananmen at the north end of the eponymous square the district boundary follows West Chang'an Avenue to Chang Street, where it turns north, taking in Zhongshan Park as it follows the western moat of the Forbidden City . At Wenzhin Street it turns eastward to follow Jingshan Front Street between the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park . It resumes its northward course along Jingshan East Street, turning west along Jingshan Back Street, thus leaving all of Jingshan in Xicheng to

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5166-522: The South Moat paralleling the 2nd Ring Road along its southern boundary. Along the southern edge of the Forbidden City another small stream, the Changpu River , flows above ground for a kilometer. Much of the district is densely developed, with major streets following a grid plan , while the side streets connecting them are irregular. Temple of Heaven Park is the largest, at 267 hectares (660 acres), with

5289-634: The Tonghui River to its south. At Longtan Park in the southeast corner of the district, it curves west with the road to form the district's southern boundary with Fengtai . Just past the Temple of Heaven Park, in the Yongdingmen area, it leaves the ring road to take in a roughly triangular area to the south that includes the Beijing South railway station at its eastern corner. It then follows Yongdingmen, Tianqiao, and Qianmen streets due north back to

5412-413: The Yongle Emperor's reign, four out of the six ministries ( Personnel , Revenue , Rites , and Works ) were headed by the same minister. This continuity of leadership continued even after the emperor's death, with many ministers remaining in their positions. Dongcheng District, Beijing Dongcheng ( Chinese : 东城区 ; pinyin : Dōngchéng Qū ; lit. 'East City District')

5535-484: The acquisition and transportation of materials and supplies for warfare. It was during this period that his organizational skills began to emerge, which he later utilized effectively in his battles. He also took the opportunity to disguise himself as a regular soldier and immerse himself in the lives of ordinary people. Looking back, he considered his time in Fengyang to be the happiest days of his life. In 1376, Li Wenzhong,

5658-521: The border, resulting in a purge that affected tens of thousands of people. After Zhu Di ascended to the imperial throne, the Veritable Records of Emperor Taizu were rewritten. The original version, created in 1402 at the court of the Jianwen Emperor, was deemed unacceptable by the new regime. In late 1402, the authors of the original version began to revise their work, completing it in July 1403. However,

5781-602: The boundary turns to follow the north bank of the Landmark River eastward at the Chunxiu Road intersection. The river bends to the east and then southeast, where a short tributary comes in 200 m west of Chunxiu. It follows that back to Chunxiu at its intersection with Dongzhimen Outer Street. Rejoining Chunxiu, the boundary stays with it for another 1 km (0.62 mi) to Beijing Workers' Stadium , where it becomes Workers' Stadium West Road, with Workers Indoor Arena on

5904-453: The century, he rebuilt the city and renamed it Dadu. As part of that project, the future Dongcheng district's boundaries were first officially drawn, although they were different from today's. The Yongle emperor , Zhu Di, third of the Ming dynasty , took the throne at the beginning of the 15th century. He built the present-day Forbidden City, now part of Dongcheng, as his palace inside the walls of

6027-401: The city, a decision that would have consequences during the civil war when his son, Li Jinglong , unsuccessfully attempted to besiege Beiping in 1399. In April 1380, at the age of twenty, he moved to Beiping. He encountered a strong Mongolian influence, which the government tried to suppress by banning Mongolian customs, clothing, and names. The city had recovered from the famine and wars of

6150-567: The civilian administration, gaining the support of officials who had often served under the previous government. He restored the administrative structure of the Hongwu era, while also making some changes. First and foremost, in 1402, the Grand Secretariat was created to act as an intermediary between the emperor and the government, partially replacing the Central Secretariat that had been abolished in 1380. Despite their informal position,

6273-403: The court in August and December 1399, as well as through a public statement. In his letters and statements, he repeatedly asserted that he had no desire for the throne. However, as the eldest living son of the deceased emperor, he felt a duty to restore the laws and order that had been dismantled by the new government. He explained that this was out of respect for his late father. He also accused

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6396-422: The current emperor and his advisors of withholding information about his father's illness and preventing him from attending the funeral. Furthermore, he condemned their unjust treatment of the emperor's uncles, who were his own younger brothers. He justified his actions as necessary self-defense, not against the emperor himself, but against his corrupt ministers. He referred to these actions as the Jingnan campaign ,

6519-879: The daughter of Xu Da , who was ranked first among all of the early Ming generals. She was two years younger than him. Lady Xu was known for her intelligence, decisiveness, and energy. The couple welcomed their first son, Zhu Gaochi , on 16 August 1378, followed by their second son, Zhu Gaoxu , in 1380. Their third son, Zhu Gaosui , was born three years later. A few weeks after the wedding, he traveled to Fengyang (then known as Zhongdu—the Central Capital) where he underwent seven months of military training alongside his elder brothers, Zhu Shuang and Zhu Gang. Two years later, he returned to Fengyang with his younger brothers, Zhu Su, Zhu Zhen, and Zhu Fu, and stayed for an additional two years. During this time, he not only trained in command and combat, but also gained knowledge in logistics and

6642-453: The dignitaries who had defected to his side before the fall of Nanjing—Li Jinglong, Chen Xuan ( 陳瑄 ), Ru Chang ( 茹瑺 ), and Wang Zuo ( 王佐 ). In June 1403, an additional nine generals from the civil war were appointed as marquises or counts. In the following years, meritorious military leaders from the campaign against the Mongols were also granted titles of dukes, marquises, and counts, including those of Mongolian origin. The emperor established

6765-512: The district also has another large planted area, although it is fenced off. The most significant non-park urban open space in the district is the 44-hectare (110-acre) Tiananmen Square at its west central point. It is a stone-paved pedestrian area with the Monument to the People's Heroes and Zhengyang Gate bracketing its one building, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong . To the square's immediate north

6888-642: The district at the Chaoyangmen intersection along the 2nd Ring Road . Air Koryo has an office in the Swissôtel Beijing in Dongcheng District. Beijing's current master plan designates Dongcheng as one of the city's four core zones. To enhance the district's combination of commercial and cultural attractions, it calls for giving priority to service and high-tech industries within it. Three areas in particular are singled out for attention—Wangfujing,

7011-422: The district's economic activity is in the service sector . Dongcheng is often described, and depicted on simplified maps, as the eastern half of the area inside the 2nd Ring Road . However, the district boundaries include some areas outside it as well, particularly on the north and east. In the former direction a small projection crosses the 3rd Ring Road . The 2010 merger with Chongwen added some land beyond

7134-501: The district's many hutongs , the narrow, winding lanes that make up many neighborhoods on the side streets, to taller modern office buildings and hotels. Styles include the traditional Chinese architecture of the 15th-century imperial buildings in the Forbidden City and the various temples, the fin-de-siècle European revival styles in the Legation Quarter to the modern styles of today's newest buildings. The district has over

7257-556: The district, in 1952; six years later the two were merged and renamed Dongcheng. That district was then merged with the Chongwen District to its south in 2010. Secondly, many of the wealthy siheyuan residents fled to Taiwan or elsewhere in anticipation of the Communist victory and the likely expropriation of their property; those who remained or did not leave in time indeed suffered that fate. The new government subdivided many of

7380-440: The district, which was officially at the time part of Daxing County (now a district south of the city). The overthrow of the Qings and the establishment of the Republic of China in the wake of the Xinhai Revolution of 1911 led to the area northeast of the Forbidden City being opened to the public for the first time. Under the government of the new Republic of China, the districts of Beijing were reorganized. Today's Dongcheng

7503-470: The district. The district contains 17 subdistricts: Dongcheng is currently served by nine metro lines of the Beijing Subway : Throughout Dongcheng are many of Beijing's public schools. Some of its high schools have been added to the city's list of beacon high schools , those that consistently maintain high standards. Among them are Beijing No. 166 High School on Tongfu Alley just off Dengshikou Street, Beijing Huiwen Middle School on Peixin Street in

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7626-421: The early 20th century to the Japanese occupation of eastern China in 1937, Peking University was housed in the Belgian-designed brick Honglou ( 紅樓 ) or "Red House", at Wusi and Beiheyan streets. Mao Zedong worked in the library there, where he was among the leaders of the May Fourth Movement that lent its name to Wusi Street, an experience that later led him to help found the CCP. The university moved out to

7749-441: The east side. At Dongyingfang Hutong, it turns west again. Following Jishikou East Road north for a block, then turning west on Panjiapao Hutong, a brief northward turn at Dongzhong Street brings it back to the Second Ring Road via Fuhua Dasha South Street. From that point the boundary largely follows the ring road south, with a few diversions to take in all of the exit ramps at the Jianguomen Street interchange and some open land at

7872-577: The eastern Mongols and western Oirats were problematic. Ming China alternately supported and opposed them. The Yongle Emperor personally led five campaigns into Mongolia, and the decision to move the capital from Nanjing to Beijing was motivated by the need to keep a close eye on the restless northern neighbors. The Yongle Emperor was a skilled military leader and placed great emphasis on the strength of his army. However, his wars were ultimately unsuccessful. The war in Jiaozhi (present-day northern Vietnam ), which began with an invasion in 1407, lasted until

7995-402: The eastern portion of the 2nd Ring Road, and the High Technology Park near the Lama Temple at Yonghegong Road and the Ring Road. The plan also calls for the "preservation of the city's historic landscape and renovation of dilapidated houses." Tax credits are available to eligible businesses that generate at least a half a million renminbi in contributions in their first years of operation in

8118-414: The economy, the emperor promoted food and textile production and utilized uncultivated land, particularly in the prosperous Yangtze Delta region. Additionally, he made the decision to elevate Beijing to the capital in 1403, reducing the significance of Nanjing . The construction of the new capital, which took place from 1407 to 1420, employed hundreds of thousands of workers daily. At the heart of Beijing

8241-407: The education of his sons, enlisting the help of prominent scholars from the empire. Initially, Song Lian was appointed as the teacher for the crown prince, and also gave lectures to the other princes. Song Lian's successor, Kong Keren ( 孔克仁 ), had a significant influence on Zhu Di, teaching him philosophy and ethics. However, Zhu Di's favorite subject was the history of the Han dynasty , particularly

8364-446: The emperor and approval from the prince. Meanwhile, the prince had the freedom to train and deploy his own guard. In 1381, Zhu Di had his first experience in the field when he joined Xu Da's campaign against the Mongols, led by Nayur Buqa. In the 1380s, Zhu Di served in border defense under the leadership of his father-in-law, Xu Da. After Su's death in 1385, Fu Youde , Xu's deputy, took over leadership. In 1387, Zhu Di participated in

8487-411: The emperor of his loyalty. He even asked for mercy for his friend Zhu Su and begged for permission to return his sons, who had been staying in Nanjing since the funeral of the Hongwu Emperor. This was done by the government as a precaution, effectively holding them as hostages. However, in June 1399, the emperor's adviser, Huang Zicheng , convinced the emperor that releasing Zhu Di's sons would help calm

8610-404: The emperor often personally led campaigns accompanied by the nobility, strengthening their personal relationships. As a result, the military nobility was closely tied to the emperor and remained loyal. There was no need for purges, and any isolated cases of punishment were due to the failures and shortcomings of those involved. Overall, the nobility elevated the emperor's prestige and contributed to

8733-402: The emperor ultimately prevailed and Fang Bin committed suicide, while Wu Zhong and Xia Yuanji were imprisoned. However, after the Yongle Emperor's death, they were exonerated and returned to their positions of authority. Other notable ministers who served for many years included Jian Yi ( 蹇義 ), Song Li ( 宋禮 ), Liu Quan ( 劉觀 ), and Zhao Hong, who held various ministerial positions. During most of

8856-449: The emperor was dissatisfied with the revised version and in 1411, he ordered a new version to be prepared. This new version was completed in June 1418, and changes focused primarily on Zhu Di's claim to the throne. It included claims that he was the son of Empress Ma, that the Hongwu Emperor had considered appointing him as successor, that he was to be the regent of the Jianwen Emperor, and that he

8979-412: The emperor, his empress, and his son. On 17 July 1402, Zhu Di ascended the throne, officially succeeding his father, the Hongwu Emperor. However, even as late as the summer of 1402, the new emperor was still dealing with the followers of the Jianwen Emperor. These followers denied the legitimacy of Zhu Di's rule and he responded by erasing the Jianwen Emperor's reign from history. This included abolishing

9102-465: The emperors Gaozu and Wudi . In fact, he often referenced examples from the life of Qin Shi Huang in his decrees. On 22 April 1370, the emperor's sons, with the exception of the crown prince, were granted princely titles. Zhu Di was bestowed with the title of Prince of Yan. Yan was a region located in the northeast of China, with its most significant city being Beiping (present-day Beijing ). During

9225-456: The end of his reign, the princes had lost much of their political influence. One of the Yongle Emperor's first actions upon assuming the throne was to reorganize the military command. He promoted loyal generals and granted them titles and ranks. In October 1402, he appointed two dukes ( gong ; 公 )— Qiu Fu and Zhu Neng ( 朱能 ), thirteen marquises ( hou ; 侯 ), and nine counts ( bo ; 伯 ). Among these appointments were one duke and three counts from

9348-468: The end of his reign. Four years after his death, the Ming army was forced to retreat back to China. Despite his efforts, the Yongle Emperor's Mongol campaigns did not significantly alter the balance of power or ensure the security of the northern border. The Yongle Emperor died in 1424 and was buried in the Chang Mausoleum, the largest of the tombs of the Ming emperors located near Beijing. Zhu Di

9471-456: The first time. The princes of Jin (Zhu Gang), Yan (Zhu Di), and Qi (Zhu Fu) were given the task of leading a punitive expedition against the Mongol commanders Nayur Buqa and Alu Temür, who were threatening Shanxi and Gansu . Zhu Di demonstrated excellent command skills when he defeated and captured both Mongol commanders in battle. They then served under him with their troops. The emperor himself appreciated Zhu Di's success, which contrasted with

9594-498: The former Chongwen District and Beijing No. 5 High School on Xiguan Hutong east of Nanluogoxiang. Another secondary institution of note, Beijing Jingshan School , is also located on Dengshikou Road. on Chaoyangmen Inner Street. Beijing No. 25 Middle School has a dual Chinese-Canadian diploma program. The Beijing Dongcheng Huimin Elementary School ( 北京市东城区回民小学 ) serves the local Hui population . From its founding in

9717-478: The hesitancy of the Prince of Jin. Zhu Di continued to lead armies into battle against the Mongols repeatedly and with great success. In 1392, the emperor's eldest son and crown prince, Zhu Biao , died. The court then discussed who would succeed him, and ultimately, the primogeniture viewpoint, advocated by scholars from the Hanlin Academy and high officials, prevailed. As a result, Zhu Biao's son, Zhu Yunwen ,

9840-609: The houses in order to deliver on its promise of better housing for the working class , and the neighborhood culture of the hutong s was sustained. However, the increased wealth in China created by the economic reforms of the late 20th century, following the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 , put pressure on Beijing's city government to demolish hutong s in Dongcheng and elsewhere. They were perceived as architecturally undistinguished substandard slums that could not be fully modernized, to be replaced by urban renewal projects such as

9963-484: The indecisiveness and lack of coordination displayed by the government's generals. In September 1399, a government army of 130,000 soldiers, led by the experienced veteran general Geng Bingwen , marched towards Zhending , a city located southwest of Beiping. However, by the end of the month, they were defeated. In response, the court appointed a new commander, Li Jinglong , who then led a new army to besiege Beiping on 12 November. Zhu Di, who had been gathering troops in

10086-433: The judiciary, and routine tasks. As a result, the atomization of administration that was characteristic of the Hongwu Emperor's rule diminished, allowing the emperor to focus less on routine details. The political influence of the bureaucratic apparatus gradually increased, and under the Yongle Emperor's rule, ministers were able to challenge the emperor, even at the cost of their freedom or lives. The most significant change

10209-416: The land, and merchants were granted licenses to trade salt in exchange for bringing grain to the region. The government also transported food supplies to the city. Zhu Di's interest in the military was put into practice when he personally trained his own guard. He used his detachments as a means of balancing the power of the provincial commander, who was unable to mobilize troops without authorization from

10332-404: The latter half of his reign, the Yongle Emperor accused many of these princes of committing crimes and punished them by removing their personal guards. Interestingly, he had previously condemned the same actions when they were carried out by the Jianwen Emperor. In order to reduce political threats, the Yongle Emperor relocated several border princes from the north to central and southern China. By

10455-444: The military successes of his reign. Grand Secretaries during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, from 1402–1424. The first two were appointed in August 1402, while the rest were appointed a month later. At the head of the Grand Secretariat stood briefly in 1402 Huang Huai, followed by Xie Jin, and from 1407 by Hu Guang until his death in 1418, when Yang Rong took over until the end of the Yongle Emperor's reign. The emperor reorganized

10578-410: The ministers. The emperor kept his Grand Secretaries with him, and some even accompanied him on his Mongol campaigns. During this period, the empire was governed by the crown prince with the assistance of other Grand Secretaries and selected ministers. The crown prince developed a close relationship with the Grand Secretaries and became the de facto representative of the officials. The Yongle Emperor

10701-450: The morning, for choral shows, ethnic dances, and other presentations. The Temple of Heaven is located in southern Dongcheng District , which until 2010 was part of Chongwen District . The park itself is open daily from 6:00am–10:00 pm. The relic sites inside the park open at 8:00 and close at 17:30 from April 1 to October 31, and close at 17:00 from November 1 to March 31. There is a nominal entry charge which varies according to whether it

10824-408: The most dangerous of all the princes. He was an experienced military leader and the oldest surviving descendant of the Hongwu Emperor. Due to this, the government treated him with caution and limited his power. They replaced military commanders in the northeast with generals loyal to the Jianwen Emperor and transferred Zhu Di's personal guard outside of Beiping. Despite this, Zhu Di managed to convince

10947-401: The most significant change being an attempt to limit and eventually eliminate the princes who were the sons of the Hongwu Emperor and served as the emperor's support and controlled a significant portion of the military power during his reign. The government employed various methods to remove the five princes, including exile, house arrest, and even driving them to suicide. Zhu Di was considered

11070-562: The neighborhoods here to just east of Minwang Hutong . At the river paralleling the Second Ring Road on its north, it turns east briefly to follow that, cross under the Airport Expressway along Xiangheyuan Middle Street. A short section detours north to take in some of the buildings on the north side of Xiangheyuan Road, after which it returns to what is now Xiangheyuan North Street. Turning southeast along Zuojiazhuang West Street,

11193-554: The neighboring Xicheng District, there are a hundred lesser ones in offices throughout Dongcheng. Two major agencies in the district are the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), which occupies a large building on Dongsi Street, and the China Maritime Safety Administration , on Jianguomen Inner Avenue. The Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau is also headquartered in Dongcheng, as

11316-453: The nephew and adopted son of the Hongwu Emperor, who was responsible for defending the north, was given the responsibility of preparing the prince's palace in Beijing. He utilized the former palaces of the Yuan emperors, providing Zhu Di with a larger and more fortified residence compared to his brothers, some of whom resided in converted temples or county offices. General Li also focused on fortifying

11439-560: The next four to five years lecturing him on Confucian classics, history, agriculture, and irrigation. He also trained the prince in poetry and prose writing, and explained the rules of governance and the selection of subordinates. After Hua's death and Gao's dismissal, Fei Yu, Qiu Guang, Wang Wuban, and Zhu Fu took over Zhu Di's education. Despite receiving a comprehensive education from esteemed teachers, Zhu Di's true passion always lay in military pursuits rather than scholarly pursuits and palace discussions. In early 1376, he married Lady Xu ,

11562-465: The north bank of the Yangtze River . The commander of the government fleet defected to Zhu Di's side, allowing the rebel army to cross the river without resistance and advance on Nanjing. Due to the betrayal of Li Jinglong and Zhu Hui, Zhu Di's younger brother, the capital city was captured on 13 July 1402, with little resistance. During the clashes, the palace was set on fire, resulting in the deaths of

11685-569: The north younger Beijingers and foreigners often visit the hutong s of Nanluogoxiang, east of the Bell and Drum Towers, for its bar and nightlife offerings. While most of Beijing's major corporate buildings are located in the city's central business district in the Chaoyang District to Dongcheng's north and east, some are within the district. China National Petroleum Corporation and subsidiary PetroChina share one headquarters facility just inside

11808-628: The northeast, swiftly returned and defeated the surprised Li army. The soldiers from the south, who were not accustomed to the cold weather, were forced to retreat to Dezhou in Shandong. In 1400, there were battles in the southern part of Beiping province and northwestern Shandong , with varying levels of success. In the spring, Zhu Di led a successful attack into Datong , defeating Li Jinglong near Baoding in May and outside Dezhou in June. However, due to concerns about potential enemy reinforcements, Zhu Di ended

11931-574: The northern border, Zhu Di was the second oldest but also the most capable. He had operated in a vast territory, stretching from Liaodong to the bend of the Yellow River. He was not afraid to take risks, as demonstrated by his defeat of the Mongols led by Polin Temür at Daning in the summer of 1396. He also went on a raid with the Prince of Jin several hundred kilometers north of the Great Wall, which earned them

12054-470: The original city. Outside it, Dongcheng had 15 lanes at that time, the beginnings of its many hutong s. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the area began to become a desirable residence for both government officials and the merchants who sold to them, due to its proximity to the palace. They built themselves the siheyuan courtyard-style houses that remain a valued part of the district's cultural heritage. The Qings stationed four divisions of their army in

12177-423: The prince was cautious not to give any reason for criticism. For example, he did not object to the execution of his generals Nayur Buqa and Alu Temür, who were accused of treason. He also exercised caution in diplomatic relations, such as when he welcomed Korean delegations passing through Beiping, to avoid any indication of disrespect towards the emperor's authority. Out of the six princes responsible for guarding

12300-517: The siege of Jinan in September and retreated to Beiping. Li Jinglong's lackluster performance led the government to appoint Sheng Yong as the new commander of the counterinsurgency army. In 1401, Zhu Di attempted to weaken the enemy by attacking smaller units, which disrupted the supply of government troops. Both sides then focused on breaking through along the Grand Canal . In January, Zhu Di suffered

12423-454: The situation. Unfortunately, the result was the exact opposite. In early August 1399, Zhu Di used the arrest of two of his officials as a pretext for rebellion. He claimed that he was rising up to protect the emperor from the corrupt court officials. With the support of Beijing dignitaries, he gained control of the city's garrison and occupied the surrounding prefectures and counties. He attempted to justify his actions through letters sent to

12546-603: The southern end of Tian'anmen Square. There it turns west briefly, then goes up the square's west road between the China Numismatic Museum and the Great Hall of the People . At the square's north end is West Chang'an Avenue. Like most of Beijing, the district is consistently level, with an elevation of 30–50 metres (98–164 ft) above sea level, reflecting the city's location on the North China Plain . There are

12669-520: The street escaped demolition. They have been replaced by architecturally sympathetic new construction that is among the most expensive housing in the city. Dongcheng is run by several committees. The District Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is its local organization. The District People's Congress is responsible for most major decisions, as well as implementing national and local laws and regulations. Its members, all appointed by

12792-499: The street's end, the edge of Rendinghu Park , it follows the park edge to the northeast. The boundary turns east at Huangsi Street, following the rear property lines of buildings on the north side. It crosses the street again a block east of Gulou Outer Street, where it follows the northern edge of Liuyin Park . From the park's northeastern corner it goes due east to Andingmen Outer Street, where it turns north. It continues north across

12915-449: The throne, he faced the aftermath of a civil war that had devastated the rural areas of northern China and weakened the economy due to a lack of manpower. In order to stabilize and strengthen the economy, the emperor first had to suppress any resistance. He purged the state administration of supporters of the Jianwen Emperor as well as corrupt and disloyal officials. The government also took action against secret societies and bandits. To boost

13038-563: The two capitals, similar to the Yuan emperors. He also frequently led military campaigns into Mongolia. However, this behavior was opposed by officials who felt threatened by the growing influence of eunuchs and military elites. These groups relied on imperial favor for their power. The emperor also made significant efforts to strengthen and consolidate the empire's hegemonic position in East Asia through foreign policy. Diplomatic messages and military expeditions were sent to "all four corners of

13161-448: The west. At Di'anmen Inner Street it turns north again, following the east–west line that formally divided Beijing in the mid-15th century. After a short turn to the west at the Bell and Drum Towers along Gulou West Street, it resumes its northward course along Jiugulou Street, which it follows north for several kilometers, past the 2nd Ring Road to Andeli Street North, where it turns west. At

13284-651: The world". Missions were sent to countries near and far, including Manchuria , Korea , Japan , the Philippines , and the Timurid Empire in Central Asia. Zheng He's famous voyages even reached the shores of Southeast Asia , India , Persia , and East Africa . A major threat to the security of the empire was posed by the Mongols, who were divided into three groups—the Uriankhai in the southeast were mostly loyal, while

13407-491: Was an exceptionally talented military leader who was highly favored by his father. In contrast to the frequent changes in offices during the Hongwu Emperor's reign, the high levels of the Yongle Emperor's administration remained stable. While the emperor did occasionally imprison a minister, the mass purges seen in the Hongwu era did not occur again. The most significant political matters were overseen by eunuchs and generals, while officials were responsible for managing finances,

13530-417: Was appointed as the new successor. Generals Feng Sheng, Fu Youde, and Lan Yu (who were related to the successor by blood) were chosen as his tutors and teachers. However, due to a recommendation from Zhu Di, the Hongwu Emperor began to suspect the three generals of treason. It is worth noting that Zhu Di did not have a good relationship with Lan Yu, and according to historian Wang Shizhen ( 王世貞 ; 1526–1590), he

13653-600: Was born on 2 May 1360, as the fourth son of Zhu Yuanzhang . At the time, Zhu Yuanzhang was based in Nanjing and was an independent general of the Han Song dynasty. This dynasty was one of the states formed during the Red Turban Rebellion , which was a rebellion against the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty that controlled China. In the 1360s, Zhu Yuanzhang conquered China, established the Ming dynasty , and declared himself emperor. He

13776-417: Was deeply affected by the death of his two eldest sons and the strained relations between his remaining sons and the heir, made the decision to revise the rules governing the imperial family for the fourth time. The new edition significantly limited the rights of the princes. However, these changes had little impact on Zhu Di's status as they did not affect his main area of expertise—the military. Furthermore,

13899-518: Was estimated to be US$ 247.6 million, and rising. Dongcheng is home to some of Beijing's most prestigious hotels, like the Beijing Hotel complex and the nearby Grand Hyatt on East Chang'an Avenue near Tiananmen Square. Near those hotels are the shopping opportunities of the Malls at Oriental Plaza, once Asia's largest, and the Wangfujing pedestrian mall , a big draw for domestic tourists. Further to

14022-591: Was known as the inner first and inner third districts. Four decades later, the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War led to the People's Republic of China displacing the Republic as the sovereign government of mainland China . This had two effects on Dongcheng. First, the two districts in the area were renamed Dongsi and Dongdan , corresponding to streets that still exist in the northern and central portions of

14145-483: Was meticulous in his selection of the top officials for the state apparatus, including the members of the Grand Secretariat and the ministers. He placed particular trust in those who had served him during the civil war, such as Jin Zhong ( 金忠 ), Guo Zi, Lü Zhen ( 呂震 ), and Wu Zhong ( 吳中 ). These ministers came from all over China, but were all highly educated and capable administrators. Among them, Minister of Revenue Xia Yuanji

14268-411: Was not afraid to use violence against opponents when necessary, he differed from his father in his abandonment of frequent purges. As a result, ministers held their posts for longer periods of time, leading to a more professional and stable state administration. However, it was not just officials who enjoyed the emperor's favor and support. He ruled the empire primarily "from horseback", traveling between

14391-503: Was raised with a strong emphasis on discipline and modesty, along with the other children of Zhu Yuanzhang. Out of all his siblings, he had a special fondness for Princess Ningguo ( 寧國公主 ), Zhu Fu ( 朱榑 ), and Zhu Su, who was only 15 months younger. Despite their contrasting personalities, Zhu Di and Zhu Su became the closest of friends. While Zhu Di enjoyed activities such as archery and horseback riding, Zhu Su preferred studying literature and tending to plants. The emperor took great care in

14514-606: Was responsible for Lan Yu's execution in March 1393. The other two generals also died under unclear circumstances at the turn of 1394 and 1395. In their place, princes were appointed. For example, in 1393, the Prince of Jin was given command of all the troops in Shanxi province, and the Prince of Yan was given command in Beiping province. Additionally, Zhu Shuang, Prince of Qin, was in charge of Shaanxi , but he died in 1395. The Hongwu Emperor, who

14637-467: Was the emergence of the Grand Secretariat , which played a crucial role in the politics of the Yongle Emperor's successors. Led by the Grand Secretaries, officials gained control of the government. The emperor restored the titles of the princes of Zhou, Qi, and Min, which had been abolished by the Jianwen Emperor. However, these titles did not come with the same power and authority as before. During

14760-494: Was the fourth son of the Hongwu Emperor , the founder and first emperor of the dynasty. In 1370, he was granted the title of Prince of Yan. By 1380, he had relocated to Beijing and was responsible for protecting the northeastern borderlands. In the 1380s and 1390s, he proved himself to be a skilled military leader, gaining popularity among soldiers and achieving success as a statesman. In 1399, he rebelled against his nephew,

14883-430: Was the most trusted by the emperor. Xia advocated for moderation in spending and using resources for the benefit of the population, which earned him the respect of the Yongle Emperor for his honesty and transparency. Xia held this position for nineteen years until 1421, when he, along with Minister of Justice Wu Zhong and Minister of War Fang Bin, protested against the costly campaign into Mongolia. Despite their objections,

15006-494: Was the official Imperial City, with the Forbidden City serving as the palace residence for the emperor and his family. The emperor also oversaw the reconstruction of the Grand Canal , which was crucial for supplying the capital and the armies in the north. The emperor was a strong supporter of both Confucianism and Buddhism. He supported the compilation of the massive Yongle Encyclopedia by employing two thousand scholars. This encyclopedia surpassed all previous ones, including

15129-427: Was widely held that the smallest of mistakes would constitute a bad omen for the whole nation in the coming year. Earth was represented by a square and Heaven by a circle; several features of the temple complex symbolize the connection of Heaven and Earth, of circle and square. The whole temple complex is surrounded by two cordons of walls; the outer wall has a taller, semi-circular northern end, representing Heaven, and

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