The site, close to Baicheng City on the left
bank of the Eshi River, was the early capital of the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234).
During the period from 1115 to 1153, Huijingfu remained the capital of the Jin
through the reigns of Emperor Taizu, Emperor Taizong, Emperor Xizong, and
Emperor Hailing, lasting 38 years. It was also the seat of Shangjing and
Huiningfu. The emperor added the title of Shangjing to its name in the first
year (1138) of the Tianjuan reign.
Huijingfu City consists of a south city, a
north city and an imperial palace. With a perimeter of about 11 kilometers, the
city had defense facilities such as watchtower, turrets and city moat. After 700
to 800 years, the remains of city walls are 3-4 meters high. To the east of the
city was a small city built in the Jin Dynasty. Legend has it that Emperor
Huizong and Emperor Qinzong of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) were imprisoned in
this small city after they were defeated in the Jingkang War against the Jin
Dynasty. The imperial palace was built in the 2nd year (1124) of the
Tianhui reign to the west of the south city, imitating the style of Bianjing
City, the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).
Well-preserved relic sites include walls of
the south and north cities, and the 5 constructions in the imperial palace.
Shatters of yellow and green glazed tiles scatter in the site. Iron-smelting
workshops have been found in the north city, together with relics including iron
armors, copper mirrors, stone mortars and pottery wares. Workshops, markets and
residences should have been built in this area.