Louchuan

A Song dynasty louchuan with a trebuchet, depicted in the Wujing Zongyao

Louchuan (traditional Chinese: 樓船; simplified Chinese: 楼船; pinyin: lóuchuán; lit. 'tower ships') were a type of Chinese naval vessels, primarily a floating fortress, which have seen use since the Han dynasty. Meant to be a central vessel in the fleet, the louchuan was equipped for boarding and attacking enemy vessels, as well as with siege weapons including traction trebuchets for ranged combat.[1]

  1. ^ Needham, Joseph (translated by), Taibai Yinjing, Volume 4, Part 2, pg. 685.