Ming Dynasty City Wall - If Walls Could Talk

The story of the Ming Dynasty City Wall begins with its first emperor

, and the capture of a hermit of the name of Huizhou. As history goes, the hermit cautioned the emperor to build walls, gather food and learn to become an emperor in order to bring the rest of the states together.

Hence, the emperor began building walls during the Ming Dynasty, and began extending the existing walls of a structure in the Tang dynasty. This is considered as the modern Ming Dynasty City Wall, its also one of the few complete city walls in China that has survived.

The wall stands over 30 feet and covers about 13 kilometres and has a moat that surrounds the wall. The wall comprises of ramparts at distances of 120 metres a part. These ramparts are more than ninety in number and are attached to the main wall.

The ramparts were used by soldiers in days of old to protect the wall without being seen, in addition the wall also has parapet walls to protect the soldiers from falling, making it an efficiently constructed system of defense against intruders.

At the time the wall was lengthened, ancient weaponry in China was not equipped to penetrate stone walls. Hence, the only way for an intruder to lay siege, was through the citys gate. This stands to explain why the gates to the city wall accompany complex means of enforcing them.

A little know fact about the wall is that it was initially constructed using dirt placed in layers as well as lime and extracts of rice. Since its first construction, the wall has been rebuilt three times over.

Since then, a park in a circular shape has been constructed round the moat and along its high walls. These flowers which have flourished add a touch of charm to these ancient Chinese structures. The garden and the wall of the city of Xian have both garnered the attention of many tourists who flock the city.

The Ming City Wall is also famous for the citys annual international marathon. The marathon has been able to attract not only local crowds but also tourists, in a bid to take the story of the wall to the world.

Tourists visiting Xian city and looking for accommodation that is quiet yet comfortable, and especially for those looking to do a lot of site-seeing, could consider an Apartment in Xian. A Xian apartment hotel such as the Citadines Xi'an Central is well equipped to meet the needs of any type of traveler.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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