Nine-Dragon Wall

Datong

The Nine-Dragon Wall (Jiu Long Bi) was built in 1392 to screen the residence of an Imperial prince. Measuring 45.5m (150 ft) in length, it is the oldest and largest glazed-tile wall still extant in China. Shanxi Province was famous for its glazed-tile work, as can be appreciated in this detail view; two fierce and colorful dragons disport among clouds and water, chasing between them a Flaming Pearl of Wisdom. These dragons only have four toes on their feet, since five-toed dragons were reserved for the Emperor himself.