ABSTRACT
[I]t is possible . . . to reconstruct the town [Hangchow] as it was in 1274. The lay-out was simple: a large thoroughfare, which became the Imperial Way after the court had installed itself at Hangchow, traversed the city from north to south, terminating at the north gate of the Imperial Palace, and then, beyond the Palace, continuing southwards to the altar for the sacrifices to Heaven and Earth. This thoroughfare was crossed at right angles by others running east and west. In addition, several canals ran parallel to the Imperial Way. [Together with] the suburbs . . . it would appear that the whole built-up area must, by 1274, have covered a surface of between seven and eight square miles. . . .
