Kaifeng was a capital of the state of Wei during the Warring States Period when it was called Daliang. During the Northern Song, Kaifang was the Song capital having a population of over million living both inside and outside walls. Typhus was an acute problem of the city.
In the earlier Sui dynasty, the Grand Canal was built from Kaifeng to Hangzhou, linking the Yellow River and the Yangzi. Extensions to the system effected an even greater navigable length.
Kaifeng is also known for having one of the last Jewish communities in China.
See also: Capital of China