- The Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range, formed a natural barrier along China's southwestern border, making it difficult for invaders to enter from that direction.
- The Taklamakan Desert, a vast, arid region in northwestern China, also served as a natural barrier, making it difficult for invaders to cross.
- The Gobi Desert, another large desert in northern China, also made it difficult for invaders to enter from that direction.
- The Yellow Sea and the East China Sea provided natural barriers along China's eastern coast, making it difficult for invaders to land there.
- The Yangtze River, the longest river in China, also served as a natural barrier, making it difficult for invaders to cross.