Who founded the metalbending city of Zaofu?

Suyin Beifong founded the metalbending city of Zaofu. She established the autonomous city-state as a home for metalbenders and other creative, independent-minded people in the Earth Kingdom.

Suyin is the younger daughter of Toph Beifong and the half-sister of Lin Beifong. Unlike Lin, who built her career in Republic City’s police force, Suyin created a new community around metalbending, art, engineering, and innovation. Zaofu’s buildings, vehicles, and protective platinum domes reflect that identity.

Toph is a common mix-up because she invented metalbending and is honored in Zaofu as its originator. However, invention of the technique and founding of the city are different achievements. Lin also helped defend and govern the city at various points, while Kuvira later seized control of it, but neither founded Zaofu. Suyin serves as its matriarch and leads the Metal Clan when Korra first visits the city.