The Gateway to Fujian: A Digital Humanities Study of Ancient Post Roads and Passes in Minbei
Have you ever wondered how long it took for news from the Central Plains to reach Fujian before highways and high-speed trains? The answer: on two legs and horseback. Among the towering peaks and deep valleys of northern Fujian, the ancients built road after road. These were not just roads — they were the nerve endings of an empire, the veins through which decrees, armies, trade caravans, and tribute tea flowed. I combed through 18 local gazetteers from northern Fujian and uncovered a forgotten ancient transportation network — far more vast and sophisticated than I had ever imagined. ...