Barriers to Invading Ancient China

For thousands of years the culture of China has survived to form one of the most enduring civilizations in World History. One of the many reasons for this success has been the barriers to large invading armies that surround China. These can be divided into two groups, major natural barriers and manmade barriers.

Natural:

Seas- Japan, Yellow, East China South China

Mountains- Himalayas, Altan

 Rivers- Huang, Yangtze

Jungles of Southeast Asia

 Deserts- Gobi, Taklimakan

Manmade:

The Great Wall and the Grand Canal

 

Barriers are just that, difficult terrain for an enemy army to cross. Determined armies can succeed in crossing them but at such a cost in men and materials that can be deemed to high for all but the most determined foes.