Means of Transportation

In the following details, what seem to be the most common types of transport? In differentiating between human-powered and animal-powered means, are certain methods of portage reserved for particular types of cargo? Is there any hierarchy of usage among beasts of burden?

ANSWER: Donkeys and oxen were typically used for hauling goods to market with a variety of carts, the oxen reserved for more substantial loads. Smaller goods are carried by individuals on pole baskets, which would have saved the expense of maintaining an animal for this purpose. Transport of humans includes the use of litters or sedan chairs, donkeys, and horses. Women typically rode in the seclusion of the covered sedan chair (you can see a lady peering out from one in the detail), while only officials or members of the scholar class are seen on horseback.

*Judging from the image at right, what kinds of preparations were undertaken in order to ready cargo for cart transport?*
*What might be the advantages of carrying goods by hand, using over-the-shoulder pole baskets, instead of using animal labor?*

What type of transport system is employed below? Why is the human element necessary?

HINT: Are the boats traveling with or against the current? What other factors might make travel slow going? During most of the Northern Song dynasty, transport on the Grand Canal included ferrying cargo overland because of shallow portions closer to the capital of Kaifeng. How do you think the type and size of boats (which, in the lower reaches of the canal system, were accommodated in much greater variety) and the volume of traffic impacted navigability through the capital city?

Why do you think these boats are moored in this particular spot?

Take a closer look at those on this boat. Do you think they live on the boat?

Move on to Individuals on the Street