Walking Through History: Nanjing's Ming City Wall Speaks
Nanjing, a city where ancient stones whisper tales of emperors and artisans, recently welcomed CGTN host Mike Walter to explore its Ming Dynasty-era treasures. The Ming City Wall, built over six centuries ago with bricks stamped with the names of craftsmen and officials, stands as a testament to China's architectural ingenuity and administrative rigor.
Walter's journey along the Qinhuai River highlighted how Nanjing seamlessly blends its storied past with modern vibrancy. Each brick in the wall—some bearing legible inscriptions despite centuries of weathering—serves as a time capsule, revealing meticulous quality control systems from the Ming era. 'These bricks aren't just building materials; they're historical contracts,' Walter noted during his exploration.
Local historians emphasize that the wall's preservation offers crucial insights into early urban planning and cross-regional collaboration during one of China's most influential dynasties. As sunset painted the Qinhuai's waters gold, the scene embodied what many residents describe as Nanjing's enduring spirit: resilience etched in stone and flow.
