Situated on a plain between two mountain ranges, Beijing has served as China’s capital since the founding of the Liao Dynasty in tenth century A.D. (4) Though it has been the political centre of China for centuries, it is the city walls that have given the city its unique characteristics and retained its traditional social values over time. The first fortification system were constructed during the Yuan Dynasty in 12th century A.D. in the form of defence and for social division (7). After restructuring the city during the Ming Dynasty and the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the present Beijing embodies many modern characteristics but still holds some of its old ideals. On this website, you will learn about the history behind how the walls have shaped the city, the relationship between Beijing’s fortification systems and divisions among its citizens, and the future of this ancient cosmopolitan. Please take notice of underlined phrases or sentences, as they will help provide new information on this topic!

 

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