To the OP: Since the greatest Qing Emperors spent the most of their time concentrating on western conquests, perhaps Kangxi, Yongcheng or Qianlong decide a more western or central capital than Beijing, either Xi'an or Luoyang, is more appropriate. I know Xi'an was not on the Grand Canal, was it on any navigable rivers? Was Luoyang on the Grand Canal? I ask because that seemed to be the economic heartland of China at this time.
This decision could also be made in the 19th century if the Chinese decide to fight on from inland during the Opium War, the Arrow War or Boxer War instead of making terms. I don't think the dynasty would be very long for this world under such circumstances. Likewise, during the Ili Crisis when many in China wanted to go to war with Russia, "Chinese" Gordon advised them not to fight Russia, at least unless they were ready to move their capital away from Beijing and into the interior.