DK - China Through Time

24

A Landmark Tower

Tongzhou, 1450 ce

With the construction of the Grand Canal, the city of

Tongzhou is up and coming. The pagoda at the north

end of the Grand Canal is Tongzhou’s main landmark.

The tower is 157 ft (48 m) high and overlooks the

bustling port, where all sorts of goods, from grain to

wood, are loaded onto and unloaded from the many

boats that are arriving from the south. These goods

will be distributed to the imperial households and

the troops stationed along the Great Wall.

Jars

of wine

Barge with

sail unfurled

Wheelbarrow

Ox cart

transporting sacks

Grain storage

Can you spot a noble lady in a sedan chair, who has come to inquire about her husband? Grain unloaded from the ships is transported directly to warehouses.

A wine seller is heading for the river, carrying his wares.

Loaders rush to carry sacks of rice off a ship and into the warehouse.

A line of barrows loaded with tea is pushed by porters through the bustling dock.

Bamboo rods strengthen barges’ sails.

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