Kaifeng

City in Henan province; population (1999 est) 600,000. Formerly the provincial capital and once a capital of China (907–1127), it lost its importance because of the silting-up of the nearby Huang He River. Industries include zinc-smelting, and the manufacture of fertilizers, textiles, beverages, and agricultural machinery.

History
Kaifeng was the capital of China during the Northern Song dynasty (AD 960–1126), and was the home for some years until his death of a leading Chinese poet, Mei Yao-ch'en (1002–1060). The old city walls still remain. A Jewish colony was established here in the 12th century, but went into decline in the 17th century after a flood destroyed the synagogue and its contents. The Jewish community has now been totally assimilated with the Chinese population. Kaifeng was capital of Henan province until 1954.