The most renowned figure for creating an advanced network of roads and canals in China is Emperor Shi Huangdi, who ruled the Qin Dynasty from 221 to 210 BCE. As the first emperor of a unified China, Shi Huangdi was determined to expand upon the existing road system, which had been in place since the Spring and Autumn era (722–481 BCE). To do so, he commissioned a massive engineering infrastructure project that included building new roads and canals, as well as repairing existing ones.
The oldest existing written record of this project is found in the ancient Chinese text known as the “Records of the Grand Historian”, which was written by Sima Qian during the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). According to Sima Qian, the great project was funded by the wealth of the imperial treasury. The work was divided among various regional lords who were responsible for building new roads and canals, maintaining existing ones, and collecting taxes on goods transported on the roads and canals.
To ensure that the project was completed quickly and efficiently, Shi Huangdi imposed stringent regulations and rules. For example, laborers were forbidden to take breaks while they were working, and anyone caught violating the regulations were immediately subjected to the death penalty. In addition, the emperor sent out inspectors to check on the progress of the work, and those who failed to meet the emperor’s expectations were punished severely.
The impact of this project was immense. It greatly strengthened the unity of China by allowing greater communication and travel between the different regions. Furthermore, it also allowed farmers to transport grains to the capital more easily and expedited the trading of goods as merchants no longer had to rely on horses and other animals for transportation. Lastly, the project allowed the government to collect taxes at a much faster rate, thus increasing the wealth and power of the imperial court.
In short, Emperor Shi Huangdi was a visionary leader whose ambitious project helped to lay the foundations for a unified China. He created an impressive network of roads and canals that greatly aided in the communication and transportation of goods between different regions. His efforts were essential in unifying the country and in strengthening the power of the imperial court.