BRIDGE TO THE PAST.

The article focuses on the historical and archaeological significance of Kaifeng, a medieval Chinese capital situated on the Bianhe River, a branch of the Yellow River. Kaifeng flourished as a political, cultural, and commercial center from the Warring States period through the Northern Song Dynasty, when it became the world’s largest city, but faced repeated destruction due to frequent Yellow River floods. Recent excavations have uncovered the Zhouqiao, a grand Northern Song-era bridge adorned with elaborate stone reliefs, as well as artifacts revealing the city’s vibrant urban life and extensive trade networks. The article also details the catastrophic 1642 flood, deliberately caused during a siege, which devastated Kaifeng and led to massive loss of life and social collapse, including documented cases of starvation and cannibalism. These findings provide a layered understanding of Kaifeng’s rise, prosperity, and decline shaped by its complex relationship with the Yellow River. [Extracted from the article]