What was it like to live in Kublai's capital city? Though Kublai was not Chinese, neighborhoods were designed to follow ancient Chinese principles. Blank walls hid houses from passersby on the street. Living spaces were arranged around a central courtyard, with all entrances facing inward, and there were walkways connecting the buildings. You could feel safe from the world outside and enjoy the peace and privacy of your own home. Likewise, the ruling Mongols felt protected from their Chinese subjects, separated from them by high palace walls.

Learn more about the city of Dadu by studying and then clicking these images.