What matters in the choice of a national capital location in Chinese history: an empirical analysis based on quantitative economic history

Hongjun Zhao

Spatial Economic Analysis, 2021, vol. 16, issue 3, 355-377

Abstract: This study surveys theoretical hypotheses for the choice of Chinese capital locations over 2240 years, examines the probability of 80 candidate cities and finds that relative economic security, the cultural tradition of the emperor’s first seat of power, long-term climate change, political unity, nomadic nature, etc. matter in the choice of Chinese capital location. This finding is robust across different approaches, time periods and dynasties. This study confirms the validity of theoretical hypotheses in both China and the West, deepening our understanding of the wisdom of capital location and supplying missing aspects of modern theories of choice of capital location.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1080/17421772.2020.1817535

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