Beijing: Ming and Qing Imperial Urban Development (1421–1911)

1. Beijing palace construction begins under Yongle

   Jan 1, 1406Labels: Yongle Emperor, Forbidden City

   • Britannica
   • UNESCO

2. Temple of Heaven’s original altar completed

   Jan 1, 1420Labels: Temple of, Imperial Altar

   • UNESCO

3. Forbidden City palace complex completed

   Oct 28, 1420Labels: Forbidden City, Ming court

   • Britannica
   • Ming Timeline

4. Beijing formally becomes Ming national capital

   Jan 1, 1421Labels: Beijing, Ming dynasty

   • Britannica
   • History Beijing

5. Inner city defenses completed with brick reinforcement

   Jan 1, 1445Labels: Inner City, City Gates

   • City Forts

6. Outer city wall completed south of inner city

   Jan 1, 1553Labels: Outer City, Temple of

   • City Forts
   • Yongdingmen

7. Qing forces enter Beijing and set capital

   Jun 1, 1644Labels: Dorgon, Qing dynasty

   • Britannica
   • Dorgon

8. Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) construction begins

   Jan 1, 1707Labels: Yuanmingyuan, Summer Palace

   • Old Summer
   • China Daily

9. Yongzheng expands Yuanmingyuan into major complex

   Jan 1, 1725Labels: Yongzheng Emperor, Yuanmingyuan

   • Old Summer
   • China Daily

10. European-style Xiyanglou project begins at Yuanmingyuan

    Jan 1, 1747Labels: Xiyanglou, Qianlong Emperor

    • MIT VC
    • Xiyanglou

11. Xiyanglou waterworks completed at Xieqiqu

    Jan 1, 1751Labels: Xieqiqu, Xiyanglou

    • Xiyanglou
    • MIT VC

12. Anglo-French forces burn Yuanmingyuan

    Oct 18, 1860Labels: Yuanmingyuan, Anglo-French expedition

    • HISTORY
    • Old Summer

13. Boxer Protocol signed in Beijing

    Sep 7, 1901Labels: Boxer Protocol, Foreign Legations

    • Boxer Protocol

14. Qing dynasty ends, closing imperial Beijing era

    Jan 1, 1911Labels: Qing dynasty, Imperial Beijing

    • Britannica
    • History Beijing