In 581 C.E., Yang Jian (Emperor Wen) reunites China by founding
the Sui Dynasty The Sui supported both Buddhism & Daoism
Emperor Wen was Buddhist Capital was in Xian all the people within
the four seas may, without exception, develop enlightenment and
together cultivate [promote] fortunate karma, bringing it to pass
that present existences will lead to happy future lives, that the
sustained creation of good causation [action] will carry us one and
all up to wondrous enlightenment Excerpt from Wens edicts. Who is
Wen reminiscent of?
Slide 5
...The Grand Canal got more attention than other waterways
because it was the main route to the capital city. Officials used
it to travel to the court. Above all, its purpose was to carry
grain from the south to the north. Taxes were paid in rice that was
used to feed the court and pay the wages of workers and the
armyEven when steamships plied the coast, the grain continued to be
carried on the Grand Canal until 1901, for this provided jobs for
many people. Source: Lyn Harrington, The Grand Canal of China, Rand
McNally & Company What are two reasons the Grand Canal was
important to the Chinese?
Slide 6
Wen and his son, Sui Yangdi, build the Grand Canal Grand Canal
Grand Canal 1,400 mile long canal that linked the Huang He &
Yangtze Rivers Purpose was to ensure that grain could be
transported to the capital Over 5 million workers constructed the
canal Tree lined roads with post offices were built parallel to the
canal