Uncovering Shangdu

The ruins of Yuan Shangdu, located on the Jinlianchuan grassland in Zhenglan Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, are a vivid microcosm of Yuan Dynasty history. They bear witness to the Yuan Dynasty's creation of a unified Chinese community and to the formation and development of China as a unified, multiethnic state. Based on historical records and archaeological findings about Yuan Shangdu, this book is divided into eight parts: "Nurturing Confucian Scholars in the Princely Court, Admiring Han Culture," "Establishing a Court at Jinlianchuan, Practicing Confucianism and Han Laws," "Building Kaiping Prefecture, Blending Mongolian and Han Cultures," "A Shared Chinese Identity, Claiming Dynastic Orthodoxy," "Restoring Unity, Ushering in a Greater China," "Shared Cultural Identity, Mutual Learning and Integration," "Gathering Talented People from All Ethnic Groups, Creating a Great History Together," and "A Chronicle of Major Events at Shangdu, A Milestone in Yuan History." Using Chinese paintings as its medium, it reflects the historical role and contributions of Yuan Shangdu in the formation and development of the Chinese national community. It aims to draw lessons from history, deepen understanding of the "Four Commonalities" and "Five Identifications," and further strengthen a shared sense of community among the Chinese nation.