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The Li (里) is a traditional Chinese unit of distance, often translated as the "Chinese mile". It represents a significantly longer distance than the Chi (Chinese foot) and was historically the primary unit for measuring travel distances and land divisions over large areas.

Traditionally, the Li was defined in relation to smaller units like the Bu (步 - pace) or the Zhang (丈), and ultimately the Chi (尺). Common historical relationships included:

• 1 Li = 300 or 360 Bu
• 1 Bu = 5 or 6 Chi
• Therefore, 1 Li could equal 1500 or 1800 Chi.
• Alternatively, 1 Li = 150 Zhang (since 1 Zhang = 10 Chi).

Like other traditional Chinese units, its exact length varied considerably across different dynasties and regions. The modern standardized value, adopted for convenience and integration with the metric system, defines the Li as exactly 500 meters (0.5 kilometers).

The Li has been a fundamental unit of distance in China for thousands of years, used since at least the Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046–256 BC). Its length was not constant, often changing with administrative reforms or shifts in the standard length of the base unit, the Chi.

• Early Dynasties: The length fluctuated. For example, during the Han Dynasty, based on a Chi of ~23.1 cm and a definition of 1 Li = 300 Bu = 1800 Chi, the Li would have been approximately 415.8 meters. Other periods might have used different definitions or Chi lengths, leading to Li values ranging roughly from 300 to over 500 meters.
• Standardization Efforts: Various dynasties attempted to standardize measurements, but regional variations often persisted. The Li was crucial for imperial administration, defining tax districts, postal routes, and military logistics.
• 20th Century Standardization: Following the establishment of the Republic of China, efforts were made to align traditional units with the metric system. In 1929, alongside the standardization of the Chi as 1/3 meter, the Li was officially defined as 1500 Chi, which resulted in exactly 500 meters (0.5 kilometers). This standard was maintained by the People's Republic of China.

The Li's historical significance lies in its role as the standard measure for long distances, shaping perceptions of geography and travel within China and neighboring East Asian cultures influenced by the Chinese system.

While officially replaced by the kilometer for most purposes, the Li retains significance:

• Historical Measurement: Essential for understanding distances mentioned in historical texts, maps, administrative records, travelogues, and descriptions of large-scale projects like the Great Wall or canal systems.
• Geographical Names: Many place names in China incorporate "Li" (e.g., 十里堡 - Shilibao, "Ten Li Fort"), often reflecting historical distances or significance, even if the modern distance doesn't match precisely.
• Cultural References: The Li features prominently in Chinese idioms, proverbs, literature, and poetry, often symbolizing long journeys or vast distances. A famous example is 千里之行，始於足下 (qiān lǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià - "A journey of a thousand li begins with a single step").
• Informal Usage: In some rural areas or among older generations, "Li" might still be used informally to refer to a distance of approximately half a kilometer. It can also be used colloquially as a direct synonym for 0.5 km.
• Mapping: Older maps and surveys frequently used the Li.