Which city originated in its present location during the Ming dynasty?

The city that originated in its present location during the Ming dynasty is Beijing. This designation stems from the fact that the Ming dynasty marked the establishment of Beijing as the capital of China in 1421, when it was officially designated as "Beijing," meaning "Northern Capital." Prior to this, the area had historical significance, but it was during the Ming dynasty that the city was developed and expanded into the political center that it is known as today.

The Ming dynasty brought substantial efforts to fortify the city, including the construction of the famous city walls and significant architectural landmarks like the Forbidden City, which served as the imperial palace. This period was crucial for Beijing's urbanization and establishment of its historical and cultural identity.

While cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, and Xi'an have rich histories and important cultural developments, they either were already established before the Ming dynasty or did not become significant in the way that Beijing did during this specific period. Thus, understanding the roots and developments of Beijing during the Ming dynasty is essential to recognizing its importance in China's history.