Illustration of Suspended Protective Panels for the Enemy Terrace

Enemy Terrace original: 敵臺 ditai
Suspended Panels original: 懸板 xuanban
Illustration original: 圖 tu

Woodcut Diagram of the Enemy Terrace with Protective Shutters

The diagram illustrates a sophisticated defensive feature of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall fortifications. The Enemy Terrace was a multi-story hollow bastion that projected out from the main wall, serving as a platform for troops and artillery. To protect the archers and musketeers stationed inside, Suspended Panels—which were essentially heavy wooden shutters—were hung over the embrasures (the window-like openings). These panels acted as a "movable wall." They were typically hinged at the top or hung by ropes, allowing defenders to swing them outward to fire their weapons and then quickly drop them back into place to provide a solid barrier against incoming arrows and projectiles. This design was part of the tactical innovations credited to the Ming general Qi Jiguang, intended to provide maximum protection for the garrison while maintaining the ability to lay down suppressing fire against an attacking force.