DK - China Through Time

26

The Busy Dock

Tongzhou, 1550 ce

During the Ming Dynasty, the busiest dock on the Grand Canal is

at Tongzhou. Hundreds of vessels gather here daily, bringing grain

for distribution to other places. Porters and loaders rush to and

fro, supervised by officials and soldiers in charge of grain storage

and inspection. Also hard at work here are fishermen, sailors,

shopkeepers, businessmen, traveling merchants, and beggars.

Restaurant

Soldier

Memorial

arch

Ceramics

store

Porcelain making is at its peak in the Ming Dynasty, and the blue-and-white porcelain is the best quality.

Hungry after their long journey, travelers pile into the busy restaurant.

This traveler has come a long way. His sedan chair is so heavy that two mules are needed to carry it.

The memorial arch is very grand with its three doorways.

US_026-027_Busy_Dock.indd 26 30/07/2019 15:52