One of the main goals of building dam and reservoir facilities along the Yellow River is to prevent flooding. Given that the river passes through several historic cities rich with culture, many lifelong river-close residents feel it necessary to safeguard their homeland and its history. CGTN's Zhao Yunfei takes us to the city of Kaifeng and tells us about the rise and fall of the ancient capital.

Throughout Chinese history, many regimes set up their headquarters along the Yellow River. The ancient city of Kaifeng was the capital seven times.

Many locals believe the region's destiny is tied to the great river.

ZENG GUANGQING CURATOR, KAIFENG MUSEUM "The early central authorities and the origins of Chinese civilization were all based near the Yellow River basin. The climate of the area is suitable for human habitation."

Porcelain pieces unearthed in Kaifeng show that people of the Song Dynasty had high standards in their tastes for art, proving the society's wealthy livelihood.

Chen Lianyi is committed to restoring the ceramics craft of 900 years ago. Guan Wares were the best of the arts made solely for the emperor's palace.

CHEN LIANYI CERAMICS ARTIST "The Northern Song Guan Ware represented the peak of porcelain art. It would be a pity to lose such a splendid culture. The society has high demand for restoring the technique. In promoting Chinese civilization, Guan Ware is indispensable."

Guan Wares were used as sacrificial vessels. Chen says the porcelain is the iconic symbol of Chinese etiquette. The artwork can remind people to be humble, filial and respectful.

ZHAO YUNFEI KAIFENG, HENAN PROVINCE "Experts believe the ruins of the Guan Ware from the Northern Song Dynasty can be found underneath Kaifeng city. Here at this historic site, we can see how six layers of land built up below ground. That is because the city was flooded many times by the Yellow River over its 4,000-year history."

GE QIFENG DEPUTY DIRECTOR, KAIFENG INSTITUTE OF ARCHAEOLOGY "Since the 12th century, historical documents indicated that the Yellow River brought danger to Kaifeng more than 100 times. Among them, four were catastrophic. And we can find evidence of three events from these ruins."

Due to the thick sediment, the riverbed in Kaifeng is three meters higher than the horizon. Construction goes on even during flood season to stabilize the river dyke.

LI MINGJIN SENIOR TECHNICIAN, YELLOW RIVER KAIFENG BUREAU "It is everyone's responsibility to prevent flooding. When the Xiaolangdi Reservoir from upstream starts to release water. We all standby to monitor the banks. Each section has someone in charge, and we have a professional team on hand to deal with any emergencies."

In recent years, the potential for flooding has gone down. Li says the water control projects have significantly reduced the chances of dams bursting.

As locals pass on their wisdom, their homeland is preserved. Zhao Yunfei, CGTN, Kaifeng, Henan Province.