During the Yuan Dynasty, the construction of the Great Wall of China continued in 1281, particularly under the orders of Kublai Khan. This monumental project aimed to fortify the northern borders against invasions and consolidate the empire's power. The wall's construction not only represented military strategy but also a cultural symbol of unity and strength for the Chinese people.

The Great Wall has been a significant motif in Chinese poetry, symbolizing endurance and the struggle against adversity. Poets like Li Bai and Du Fu have drawn on the imagery of the wall to explore themes of separation, longing, and the passage of time. The wall's ongoing construction during this period reflects the cultural and historical narratives that poets would later weave into their works.