When the Southern Song Dynasty moved its capital to Lin’an (modern Hangzhou) in 1138, it brought along the culture of the Central Plains. Their gradual integration evolved into the refined and open-minded culture of the Southern Song Dynasty. Under its rule, Hangzhou became the most prosperous city in the world at that time, with a population in excess of 1.5 million by the mid-13th century. The influence of Southern Song culture is still evident today in Hangzhou’s economy, architecture, and infrastructure, as well as the arts, culture, and daily life of the local people.

The ruins of the Southern Song Imperial City were found at the eastern foot of Phoenix Hill in the southern part of modern Hangzhou, and the present area for protection is about 830,000 square meters.

Southern Song Imperial Street was a main thoroughfare in Lin’an. Emperors would take this street to the temple to offer sacrifices to their ancestors or for other important events. Half the population of Lin’an lived near the 4,185-meter street, which served as the north-south axis of the capital. It was rebuilt in 2009.