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The Nine-Dragon Screen is located at the center of the city of Datong, Shanxi Province and is said to be the largest screen of its type anywhere in China. It is 45.5 meters long, 8 meters high and 2.02 meters thick and consists of 426 pieces of glazed tiles.
Nine-Dragon Screen was originally part of the gate to the mansion of Prince Hongwu. It was built 600 years ago during the reign of Emperor Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
The screen stands in front of the mansion of the thirteenth son of Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty. In ancient times, the screen served as a barrier both keeping passers-by peeping into the house and making visitors tidy up themselves before meeting the hosts. There is a pool in front of the screen and the inverted reflection of the screen in water makes it seem to come to life.
This glazed-brick structure has nine dragons sculptured in relief in five colors. As a symbol of the ancient emperors of China, the dragons were depicted fighting and frolicking in the clouds above the blue sea. In ancient times, the screen served as a barrier both keeping passers-by peeping into the house and making visitor tidy up themselves before meeting the hosts. There is a pool in front of the screen and the inverted reflection of the screen in water makes it seem to come to life.
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