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Zhu Siben

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description Zhu Siben Overview

Zhu Siben (1273–1337) was a Chinese cartographer of the Yuan dynasty who created the "Guangyu Tu," or Enlarged Terrestrial Atlas, around 1320. This comprehensive atlas utilized a structured quantitative grid system and rigorous topographic measurements to map China's terrain, deliberately discarding older mythological geographic elements. His empirical methodology set the standard for Chinese atlas production for centuries, serving as an essential administrative tool for government officials and a vital resource for historical geographers.

help Zhu Siben FAQ

Did Zhu Siben create the surviving Guangyu Tu atlas?

No, Zhu Siben created an earlier Yuan dynasty map generally known as the Yudi Tu around 1320, but that original is lost. Ming scholar Luo Hongxian later used it as the foundation for the surviving Guangyu Tu.

How did Luo Hongxian change Zhu Siben's map?

Luo expanded and reorganized Zhu's geographic information into a comprehensive atlas published during the Ming dynasty. The Guangyu Tu used a traditional Chinese grid system to maintain consistent spatial relationships.

What area did Zhu Siben's mapping cover?

His work sought to represent China and surrounding regions as understood under the Yuan dynasty. Later editions based on it added provincial maps, border regions, river systems, and maritime information.

Why is Zhu Siben important if his original map is lost?

The Guangyu Tu preserved the broad structure and methods attributed to his earlier Yudi Tu. Through Luo Hongxian's adaptation, Zhu's approach influenced Chinese atlas-making for generations.