Abstract:
This paper primarily draws on the transmission routes among the 280 beacon towers documented in the
Chenghua Shanxi Chorography, a key historical source from mid-Ming dynasty. Building upon data from the national survey and field investigations of the Great Wall resources, the paper systematically analyzes the spatial distribution of 1,833 beacon towers in Datong Post. By cross verifying diverse historical maps and local chronicles, it establishes a verbal correspondence between textual records and relic beacon towers, enabling a preliminary reconstruction of the beacon transmission routes across four defense zones during early and mid-Ming. Furthermore, it explores the spatial relationship between these beacon routes and adjacent military forts. The findings aim to serve as a foundational reference for reconstructing beacon communication networks in Datong Post and the defense system of nine frontier posts along the Great Wall.