Treatise on Armament Technology

This traditional Chinese woodblock print map is titled Topographical Map of Northern Zhili. The map shows the geography of the northern metropolitan region during the Ming dynasty. The top half of the map features dense mountain ranges. These mountains represent the northern frontier. Several river systems begin in these mountains. They flow southward across the central plains. On the right side, a coastline is visible. The sea is shown using a rhythmic, wave-like texture. Key administrative and strategic locations are labeled within rectangular boxes. These locations include Dushi, Longqing, Juyong Pass, the Court of the Imperial Stud, Yongping, and Shanhai Pass. Shanhai Pass is where the Great Wall meets the sea. The main title is placed in a vertical box in the upper right. Text along the borders indicates neighboring regions and cardinal directions.

Reaches the Northeast

Reaches the North

The Liaodong Border

East reaches the Shandong Border

Southeast reaches the Shandong Border

South

Topographical Map of Northern Zhili

original: "北直隸形勢圖". Northern Zhili was the metropolitan province surrounding the Ming capital, Beijing. A topographical map, or "Xingshi Tu," focuses on the strategic advantages of the terrain for military defense.

original: "獨石". A critical northern pass located at a high elevation. It served as a vital outpost against northern incursions.

original: "隆慶". An administrative department. This area is known as Yanqing in modern times.

original: "居庸關". One of the most important passes on the Great Wall. It protected the direct route to the capital.

original: "苑馬寺". A government office responsible for the breeding and management of warhorses for the military.

original: "永平". A major prefecture located in the eastern part of the province.

original: "山海關". Often called the First Pass Under Heaven. This is the strategic point where the Great Wall reaches the Bohai Sea.

Northern Zhili (北直隸): The metropolitan province of the Ming dynasty. It was under the direct administration of the central government in Beijing.
Strategic Topographical Map (形勢圖): A map designed to show the "situation" or "disposition" of the land. It highlights geographical features that offer military advantages.
Shanhai Pass (山海關): A key military stronghold. It guarded the narrow corridor between the mountains and the sea.
Yongping (永平): An administrative center. It was located along the coastal defense line.
Longqing (隆慶): A strategic interior region. It was part of the defense network for the capital.
Juyong Pass (居庸關): A famous mountain pass. It was the last line of defense for Beijing from the north.
Dushi (獨石): A remote northern fortification. It was essential for early warning of enemy movements.
Court of the Imperial Stud (苑馬寺): An agency in charge of the state horse pasturage system. Warhorses were essential for Ming border defense.
Liaodong (遼東): The region to the east of the Shanhai Pass. It served as a buffer zone for the Ming state.
Shandong (山東): The province to the south and east. It bordered the metropolitan region along the coast.