New Book by Research Fellow Sun Donghu Explores Historical Significance of Liao Dynasty’s Southern Capital

　　The book offers a comprehensive examination of the historical development of Nanjing, the southern capital of the Liao Dynasty. It delves into the reasons behind the establishment of this auxiliary capital, the process of its formation, and its role in shaping the political, economic, military, and cultural landscape of the time. By reconstructing the urban development of Beijing during its time as the Liao southern capital, the book highlights the city’s evolving status and its foundational role in the eventual transition from a regional center to a imperial capital in later dynasties. The study focuses on the area within present-day Beijing municipality while also considering surrounding regions, offering a dynastic history anchored in urban transformation.

 

　　

　　Sun Donghu is a research fellow(Grade 2) at the Institute of History, Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, and a member of the Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Culture and History. He serves as President of the Beijing Historical Studies Association, and holds memberships in the Historical Geography Committee of the Geographical Society of China and the Academic Committee of the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, among others. His research interests include historical geography, toponymy, and regional history. He has authored more than twenty books, including Research on Ecological and Environmental Changes in Beijing over the Past Millennium, The Development History of Beijing Place Names, A History of Beijing Transportation, and An Outline of Beijing’s Historical Humanity and Geography, in addition to over 100 academic papers.

　　Liao Nanjing is expected to serve as a key reference for scholars and general readers interested in Beijing’s urban history and the legacy of the Liao Dynasty in shaping the region’s historical trajectory.