The brand-new city of Luoyang was built in the first year (605 AD) of the Daye era during the Sui Dynasty. With the growing significance of the Grand Canal as a vital north-south transportation route, Luoyang City rose to become the “Eastern Capital” and later the “Divine Capital” during the reigns of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (649–683) and Empress Wu of the Zhou (690–705). Building on the foundations laid by the previous dynasty, the imperial palace and gardens underwent extensive renovations and expansions. From then on, Luoyang City entered a new era and enjoyed three centuries of prosperity.