Architectural Forms and Distribution Characteristics of Beacon Towers of the Ming Great Wall in Qinghai Province

Research on the Ming Great Wall's beacon towers in Qinghai Province reveals that their elevations typically decrease along military intelligence routes, with sudden changes at strategic corners. The study classified 116 beacon towers into six architectural types based on their relationship to surrounding structures and found a radial distribution pattern around the Xining Guarding Post, often following river systems and ancient roads. By analyzing 'beacon tower links,' the authors demonstrated how these towers facilitated intelligence transmission during the Ming Dynasty, showcasing the sophisticated design of ancient Chinese military architecture.

Chen, W., Du, Y., Cui, K., Fu, X., & Gong, S. (2017). Architectural Forms and Distribution Characteristics of Beacon Towers of the Ming Great Wall in Qinghai Province. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 16(3), 503–510. https://doi.org/10.3130/jaabe.16.503