Interactive Map: Ming Dynasty China 1628
Explore the key locations in Illumine Lingao across Ming Dynasty China.
Ming Dynasty China - 1628
Hover over markers to see location details
Key Locations
Lingao County, Hainan Island
Significance: The transmigrators' base of operations. Remote enough to avoid immediate Ming attention, coastal for trade access, and with agricultural potential.
Advantages: Defensible, access to sea trade, tropical climate allows year-round agriculture, salt production.
Challenges: Remote from major population centers, limited initial resources, tropical diseases.
Guangzhou (Canton)
Significance: Major trading port and gateway to the Pearl River Delta. Critical for commerce and accessing mainland China.
Population (1628): ~200,000
Economic role: International trade hub, connection to Southeast Asia and European traders.
Beijing
Significance: Ming Dynasty capital. Center of imperial power and bureaucracy.
Population (1628): ~700,000
Strategic importance: Under threat from Manchu invasions from the north. Would fall in 1644.
Nanjing
Significance: Former capital, major cultural and economic center.
Population (1628): ~500,000
Role: Southern administrative center, wealthy merchant city.
Jiangnan Region
Significance: The wealthiest region of China. Center of silk production, rice cultivation, and commerce.
Cities: Suzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai area
Economic importance: Produced majority of empire's tax revenue.
Fujian Province
Significance: Maritime trade center, tea production, connection to Taiwan.
Culture: Strong merchant tradition, seafaring expertise.
Trade Routes
Maritime Routes
- South China Sea: Connecting Hainan to Guangzhou, Fujian, and Southeast Asia
- Manila Galleon Trade: Spanish silver from Americas via Philippines
- Southeast Asian Trade: Spices, tropical goods, silver
Internal Routes
- Grand Canal: Beijing to Hangzhou, moving grain and goods
- Yangtze River: Major east-west commercial artery
- Pearl River: Connecting Guangzhou to interior
Strategic Considerations
Why Lingao?
The transmigrators chose Lingao County for several reasons:
- Remoteness: Far from Beijing's direct control
- Coastal access: Can trade and escape by sea if needed
- Defensibility: Island location limits land approaches
- Resources: Salt, fish, tropical agriculture
- Climate: Year-round growing season
Expansion Paths
From Lingao, the transmigrators could expand:
- North to Guangzhou: Access mainland markets and resources
- East to Fujian: Control maritime trade
- West to Vietnam: Resources and trade
- South to Southeast Asia: Spice trade and silver