Kaifeng, as one of the Eight Ancient Capitals of China, is historically and culturally renowned city. It has been the imperial capital of eight dynasties and states, including the State of Wei during the Warring States period, the Later Liang, the Later Jin, the Later Han, and the Later Zhou during the Five Dynasties period, the Northern Song Dynasty, and the Jurchen Jin Dynasty. In ancient times, Kaifeng was rich in water resources and renowned as “Northern Water City”. Its rise and fall were closely tied to the waters. Located by the Honggou Canal to the Bian River, Kaifeng enjoyed the advantage of canal transportation, which greatly promoted its urban development. Nourished by the Bian River, Kaifeng became the wealthiest city in the world during the Northern Song Dynasty. However, due to the siltation and blockage of the Bian River, Kaifeng gradually lost its position as a political and economic centre.