Which ancient city was the capital of the Shang dynasty in China?

The capital of the Shang dynasty in China was Anyang, which is recognized as a significant archaeological site. The Shang dynasty, which ruled from approximately 1600 to 1046 BCE, is known for its advances in bronze metallurgy, writing, and statecraft. Anyang serves as one of the last capitals of the Shang, and extensive archaeological finds, including oracle bone inscriptions, provide critical insight into Shang society, religious practices, and governance.

The discovery of the ruins of Anyang has shed light on the city's layout and its role during the Shang dynasty, illustrating its importance as a political, cultural, and religious center. The artifacts recovered from this site have been pivotal in understanding the advancements of ancient Chinese civilization during this period.

In contrast, the other choices refer to cities that are either from different historical contexts or entirely different cultures. Beijing, for example, became significant much later and was not the capital during the Shang dynasty. Harappa is part of the Indus Valley Civilization, which is geographically and culturally distinct from the Shang dynasty in China. Thebes, located in ancient Egypt, also relates to a different civilization and historical epoch, which has no direct association with the Shang dynasty or its capital.