In the 17th century BC, the Shang dynasty was founded. In 1300 BC, King Pangeng of the Shang dynasty relocated the capital to Yin, which remained the capital in the middle and late Shang dynasty; therefore, the Shang dynasty is also called Yinshang. After the Shang dynasty was annihilated by the Zhou dynasty, King Zhou of Shang’s son Wugeng was enfeoffed with Yin. Later, Wugeng was killed because of his rebellion, and the Yin people moved away. Gradually, Yin was reduced to ruin, hence the name Yin Xu (Yin Ruins).

In history, the Shang people migrated frequently. The migration of an ethnic group was painstaking, requiring the ruler’s thoughtful consideration and organisation and the people’s cooperation. The fact that Yin remained the capital for 225 years shows that the relocation of the capital was a successful decision. The Book of Documents records three speeches given by King Pangeng before the relocation of the capital.