Ming Dynasty
In 1378, the Mongols of the Yuan Dynasty were overthrown and sent packing back to Mongolia by what became the Ming Dynasty. Thus was ushered in perhaps China’s most shimmering golden age of all. In fact, Ming means “brilliant” or “bright”. In Beijing, the Ming picked up where the Mongols left off, creating a master-planned imperial city centered on the new imperial palace, known today as the Forbidden City. The Great Wall as it exists today is mostly due to construction performed during the Ming Dynasty. Ming emperors were enthusiastic patrons of the arts. Chinese tea became popular in Europe. Luxury goods produced in China during this period, such as porcelain and silk, were in demand around the world, adding to China’s wealth.
Ultimately, China may have been the victim of its own success. The lucrative Chinese trade caught the avaricious interest of European traders. Portugal took up permanent settlement in Macau in South China in 1557. Portuguese missionaries began to have influence in the imperial court. With aggressive Westerners making inroads, the writing was starting to appear on the wall for the Chinese Empire. (But perhaps the Chinese couldn’t read the writing because it was written in the Roman alphabet and not Chinese characters.)
Fortunately for the Ming, it wasn’t until the next dynasty that the Europeans became a real problem for China. Ming emperors had more to worry about from back-stabbing eunuchs. And new “friends” to the northeast ultimately proved to be not so friendly after all. Even with the best of dynasties, decline is inevitable. But the Ming had a great run of 276 years until they were overthrown by a force not exactly foreign, but not quite Chinese either. In fact, the Ming were the last Chinese dynasty that was truly Chinese.
[Historical information is primarily gathered from Wikipedia, so you know it must be true.]
I really appreciate you writing a little bit of the history behind each Chinese empire before you dive straight into the cities that you visited with your engaging anecdotes. It really helps me as a reader to really appreciate China that much more. Until now, I wouldn’t have put China high on my “Bucket List” for my travel destinations, but I think that will soon change after reading your stories.
Cool! Inspiring people is what I hope to do. Regardless, I think everyone should see the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. It was so cold when I was in Beijing in late November. But it kept the crowds away, so I didn’t experience the nightmares of crowds at either place that you hear so much about. I usually try to go to places in the shoulder season so it’s not too crowded but the weather isn’t too bad.
I am the same way as I try to travel in the shoulder season when possible as there are less crowds with potential for cheaper accommodations and cheaper airfare. I can only imagine what Beijing would be like in the middle of the Summer!
Hot and crowded!