Hetu Ala was the place of residence of
Giocangga, a
Jurchen chieftain and the grandfather of
Nurhaci. 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 of
Later Jin. In 1621, the "Eastern Capital" was constructed near the city of
Liaoyang as the new Jin capital. In 1624, the tombs of Nurhaci's family and ancestors were moved to the Eastern Capital. However,
Giocangga and
Taksi, Nurhaci's father, were brought back to Hetu Ala in 1658. In 1634, the city's name was changed to Xingjing. ==Layout==