Li (unit): Difference between revisions
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'''Li:''' A [[Chinese unit]] of [[distance]], 里 (Lǐ), a li is equal to 500 [[metre|metres]], or about 1/3 [[mile]]. In ancient times, during the [[Qin Dynasty|Qin]] |
'''Li:''' A [[Chinese unit]] of [[distance]], 里 (Lǐ), a li is equal to 500 [[metre|metres]], or about 1/3 [[mile]]. In ancient times, during the [[Qin Dynasty|Qin]], a li was 360 paces, or about 576 metres (古代以三百六十步為一里). During the [[Han Dynasty|Han]] a li was the equivalent of 415.8 metres. |
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During the [[Northern Wei Dynasty|Wei]] (386-550) and [[Western Qin|Western Qin]] (385-431) dynasties, and in the ''[[Sanguo Zhi]]'' (''History of the Three Kingdoms'') (circa 300), the li was approximately 77 meters. The [[Liang Shu]] (''History of Liang Dynasty'') (635) describes that the statelet of [[Wa (Japan)|Wo]] (in [[Kyushu]], Japan) was 2,000 li (150 kilometers) across the sea from the Korean peninsula with an island in the middle ([[Tsushima Island]]). |
During the [[Northern Wei Dynasty|Wei]] (386-550) and [[Western Qin|Western Qin]] (385-431) dynasties, and in the ''[[Sanguo Zhi]]'' (''History of the Three Kingdoms'') (circa 300), the li was approximately 77 meters. The [[Liang Shu]] (''History of Liang Dynasty'') (635) describes that the statelet of [[Wa (Japan)|Wo]] (in [[Kyushu]], Japan) was 2,000 li (150 kilometers) across the sea from the Korean peninsula with an island in the middle ([[Tsushima Island]]). |
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The value of the li has been inconsistent over the years, ranging from just under 80 metres to just under 580. In modern times, the measure has been the standardised to 500 metres (or approximately 547 [[yard|yards]].) |
The value of the li has been inconsistent over the years, ranging from just under 80 metres to just under 580. In modern times, the measure has been the standardised to 500 metres (or approximately 547 [[yard|yards]].) |
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==References== |
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* Hill, John E. 2003. "Annotated Translation of the Chapter on the Western Regions according to the ''Hou Hanshu''." 2nd Draft Edition. See under "Measurements" at: [http://depts.washington.edu/uwch/silkroad/texts/hhshu/hou_han_shu.html#measurements] |
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[[Category:History of China]] |
[[Category:History of China]] |
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Revision as of 06:50, 1 April 2006
Li: A Chinese unit of distance, 里 (Lǐ), a li is equal to 500 metres, or about 1/3 mile. In ancient times, during the Qin, a li was 360 paces, or about 576 metres (古代以三百六十步為一里). During the Han a li was the equivalent of 415.8 metres.
During the Wei (386-550) and Western Qin (385-431) dynasties, and in the Sanguo Zhi (History of the Three Kingdoms) (circa 300), the li was approximately 77 meters. The Liang Shu (History of Liang Dynasty) (635) describes that the statelet of Wo (in Kyushu, Japan) was 2,000 li (150 kilometers) across the sea from the Korean peninsula with an island in the middle (Tsushima Island).
The value of the li has been inconsistent over the years, ranging from just under 80 metres to just under 580. In modern times, the measure has been the standardised to 500 metres (or approximately 547 yards.)
References
- Hill, John E. 2003. "Annotated Translation of the Chapter on the Western Regions according to the Hou Hanshu." 2nd Draft Edition. See under "Measurements" at: [1]