Hetu Ala (Chinese:赫圖阿拉城;Manchu:ᡥᡝᡨᡠ
ᠠᠯᠠ) was the first capital of theLater Jin (1616–1636) state, the predecessor of theQing dynasty of China. It was the capital from 1616 to 1622. It was renamed toXingjing (Chinese:興京) in 1634.
The site of Hetu Ala is located inXinbin Manchu Autonomous County,Liaoning, along the Suzi River, a tributary of theHun River.
Hetu Ala was the place of residence ofGiocangga, aJurchen chieftain and the grandfather ofNurhaci. In 1603, Nurhaci ordered the construction of a city at Hetu Ala and used it as his base of power. In 1616, Nurhaci proclaimed himself khan in the Octagonal Hall at Hetu Ala, founding the state ofLater Jin.[1] In 1621, the "Eastern Capital" was constructed near the city ofLiaoyang as the new Jin capital. In 1624, the tombs of Nurhaci's family and ancestors were moved to the Eastern Capital.[1] However,Giocangga andTaksi, Nurhaci's father, were brought back to Hetu Ala in 1658.[2]
In 1634, the city's name was changed to Xingjing.[2]
Hetu Ala was located on the southern bank of the Suzi River. The city had two walls. The inner wall was built of wood and stone and had a perimeter of 5li (2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi)). The outer wall had a perimeter of 10li (5 kilometres (3.1 mi)) and had nine gates.[2]
TheYong Mausoleum for Giocangga and Taksi was located to the west of the city, near the present Yongling town (永陵镇).[2]