THE place wherein Moukden now stands is the same which in the almost traditionary times of Yau (2357 b.c.) bore the name of Tsing-chow; in his successor's time, Engchow; in the time of Han (206 b.c.), Liau-toong-kiun; and under the brilliant Tang dynasty (a.d. 618), Nan-tong-tau-hau-fou, that is to say, ‘the place which guarantees rest and tranquillity to the eastern people.’

Under the Tartar houses of Liau and Kiu, in the 13th century, it was sometimes called Tunking, or the Eastern Court, and at others Liau-yang, or the Sun of the Liau. Under the Mongol or Yuen dynasty, it was commonly called Shin-yang-lou, signifying properly ‘the path of the sun;’ and under the Mings, the affix lou was changed to that of ‘wi,’ city or burgh, and it was then Shin-yang-wi, the city or burgh of the sun; but the Mantchu warrior, Tien-ming, the ‘Providence of Heaven,’ having made himself master of the country to the east of the Great Wall, some years before his death deliberated with his friends on the choice which he ought to make of a situation for his court. It was concluded that this ought to be in a city, purposely built. The city was accordingly founded, and received the designation of the Eastern Court; but when his authority and influence began to extend itself to the Chinese side of the Wall, he did not hesitate to remove his residence to Shin-Yang.