Map Introduction

Administrative Evolution of Guangzhou during the Southern Qi Dynasty

As the core administrative district of Lingnan, Guangzhou maintained the administrative structure established during the Eastern Wu of the Three Kingdoms period throughout the Southern Qi Dynasty (479–502 AD). Its provincial seat was at Panyu (modern Yuexiu District, Guangzhou), and it governed commanderies such as Nanhai, Cangwu, Yulin, and Hepu. Its administrative scope roughly covered modern central-western Guangdong and eastern Guangxi, serving as the military and economic hub for Southern Qi's control over Lingnan. After Emperor Gao of Qi, Xiao Daocheng, ascended the throne, he adjusted the jurisdictional affiliations of counties and commanderies between Guangzhou and Yue Province to strengthen control over Jiao Province (modern northern Vietnam) and Yue Province (modern southern Guangxi). For example, Linzhang Commandery was transferred to Yue Province.

Establishment and Territorial Expansion of Yue Province

Yue Province was first established in the seventh year of the Taishi era of the Liu Song Dynasty (471 AD). It reached its peak in the fourth year of the Jianwu era of Southern Qi (497 AD), expanding to administer 20 commanderies. These included areas of modern Hepu and Yulin in Guangxi, the Leizhou Peninsula in Guangdong, and Hainan Island. Its seat was initially set at Linzhang Commandery (modern Quanshui Township, Pubei County) and later moved to Hepu Commandery (modern Shiyong Town, Pubei County). Its primary functions were to administer the settlements of the "Yiliao" (indigenous peoples) in the border region between Guangzhou and Jiao Province and to suppress local rebellions.

Interactions and Military Significance of the Two Provinces

• Administrative Adjustments: In the sixth year of the Yongming era of Qi (488 AD), Yue Province saw the addition of Beiliu and Wuchunli commanderies. Some of these counties and commanderies were carved out from Guangzhou; for instance, Qining Commandery was originally part of Yulin Commandery in Guangzhou.
• Military Defense: Due to persistent "banditry and non-compliance," Yue Province was established as a key military stronghold. During the Jianwu period of Qi, mountains were tunneled through to create city gates, enhancing its defenses. Guangzhou, meanwhile, maintained connections with the capital Jiankang (modern Nanjing) via land and water routes, ensuring Southern Qi's control over Lingnan.
• Economic Ties: Guangzhou sustained maritime trade through its port at Panyu, while Yue Province participated in the Maritime Silk Road via Hepu Commandery, creating a complementary economic relationship between the two provinces.

Historical Impact

The establishment of Yue Province signified the Southern Dynasties' deepened governance over the Lingnan frontier. Its strategy of "using indigenous peoples to control indigenous peoples" provided a reference for later indirect rule systems. The stability of Guangzhou, in turn, provided the Southern Dynasties with a steady source of tax revenue and material support. By the time of the Southern Chen Dynasty, the seat of Yue Province was moved north again, and its administrative model laid the foundation for the Lian Province (modern Hepu, Guangxi) of the Sui and Tang dynasties.