The Great Map of China

The Great Map of China is an ancient, detailed map created during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). It depicts China's geography, including rivers, mountains, cities, and administrative regions, showcasing the country's vastness and diversity. Notably, the map emphasizes the importance of centralized governance and cultural identity. It combines artistic elements with geographic information, serving both practical navigation and symbolic ideological purposes. The map reflects China's territorial understanding at the time and is considered a valuable historical artifact, illustrating how Chinese scholars visualized and organized their world in the early modern period.