Ancient China was the beginning of mankind’s venture from one land to another. China’s contribution to global travel was immense as it developed safe and reliable ways to explore the world. This article discusses the methods of travel and routes used in Ancient China.
The Great Wall and Canal System
The Great Wall of China was an engineering marvel that rose along the earthen landscape of China to protect it from foreign attack. Proving a secure trade route between northern and central China, the Great Wall sprawled for thousands of miles and was built of natural stones and building material like lime and brick. The Great Wall thereby connected the Chinese Empire to merchants of the Mongolian-steppe, the Middle East, and western Europe. On the other hand, a sophisticated canal network also connected the capital cities by linking the Yellow River to the Yangtze River. Constructed close to 2000 years ago, this network of canals allowed for safe and efficient travel for ancient traders and travellers.
Public Transportation System
In ancient China, the construction of highways, roads, and bridges were of huge significance in connecting cities and trading outposts. With the initiation of the Grand Canal system, and the advancement of water transportation, one could travel to far flung regions of the country with ease. On dry land, horse-powered carriages provided a comfortable as well as fast travel. Apart from that, walking along the muddy terrain was often the go-to variant.
Trade Routes and Exploration
The grand silk route, a trading network that connected the East to the West, was undertaken by traders and travelers alike. During the time of the Han Dynasty, the silk route was an essential network that connected Chinese traders to merchants in Persia, Arabia, India, and the Mediterranean. It was through the route that the Chinese traders imported some of the most exotic and luxuries goods and fabrics. This in turn, allowed the financiers to become rich beyond imagination as a result of the hefty profits they made from these transactions. During the same time, Chinese explorer Zheng He made the journey to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa in search of spices, perfume, and medicine. His journey lasted for more than 30 years and in that duration he visited more than 37 countries.
Sea and River Travel
Rivers and seas were the most used modes of transportation in ancient China for centuries. Small and medium-sized boats were used to cross rivers and transport goods from one side to the other. In addition to river travel, Chinese sailors also crossed seas and oceans. Boat manufacturing also underwent a series of changes, with ships increasing in size and capacity for long voyages. These vessels were often used to explore and trade with merchants of different continents.
Zhu Rong’s Hydraulic Technology
To make it easier for people to move across the nation, Zhu Rong improved the transportation system by introducing technological advances. He invented a special hydraulic system which tweaked the older transport system. This change allowed the transportation of goods and people in a much more efficient manner. Zhu Rong’s hydraulic technology is widely used in today’s China.
Armies and Soldiers on Horses
Another form of travel in Ancient China was through horses. They were the main and often the only source of reliable transportation for army personnel and soldiers. Platoons of cavalry were used to control the borders of the country while keeping a stringent check on the activities happening within the country. Rulers of that era used horses to travel in and out of their cities. Be it a conquer or a journey, horses proved to be an invaluable asset in Ancient China.
Air Travel
Although aircrafts were not in existence during the Ancient Chinese era, the royal families preferred to use hot-air balloons to travel within the country. The method of Passengers sitting in a basket tied to the hot-air balloon were the first form of air travel in ancient China. These balloons were considered to be the safest form of transportation system for the ruling class.
The Warring States Period and Road System
The Warring States period in Chinese history marked the emergence of a unified political system in China. During this period, the construction of roads was undertaken with the intent of connecting various cities and regional states. This network was later expanded, thereby increasing trade and commerce in China.
Technology in Ancient China Travel
The Chinese Empire was known for its sophisticated technology in engineering and mountaineering. In addition to the roads and canals they built, the Chinese also constructed forts for protection and watchtowers to buy enough time in case of an attack. Lighthouses were also built near rivers and oceans to guiding vessels and travellers in the night. Furthermore, the use of compass was also prevalent which allowed traders to easily navigate towards their destination.
Train System
At the latter end of the ancient Chinese period, the country witnessed the inception of the train system. Known as the Gaung-Uo Express, the Chinese railway connected the Mongolian-steppe and the capital city of Chang’an. The route of this railway was close to 250 miles. This revolutionized trade as travelling time reduced drastically and more goods were transported in less time.
Conveyance in Ancient China
It was the Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan who invented the modern sailing ship. During that time, the Chinese sailors relied on vessels like junks and junks. These ships were unique as compared to the modern-day method of sailing as they had a flat-bottom, square-rigging and were incredibly stable in strong winds. Although they were slower in comparison, they were much safer and could carry heavier cargo.
Development of Wheelbarrows
The concept of the wheelbarrow was derived from Ancient China. It was designed to help transport commodities and cargo within the country. However, unlike the modern version, wheelbarrows were manually operated and it wasn’t till 200 years later that the concept of the donkey-wheelbarrows emerged. They were extremely popular and widely used in ancient China.
