Map Introduction

During the Southern Qi (479–502 AD) and Liang (502–557 AD) dynasties, the evolution of provincial-level administrative divisions was characterized by a sharp increase in the number of provinces, the prevalence of "Qiao (exile) provinces," and shifts in their practical functions. Taking Southern Qi as an example, its provincial-level administrative structure exhibited the following features:

Proliferation of Provinces

During the Southern Qi period, the number of provinces increased significantly. For instance, after Xiao Daocheng—a descendant of Xiao Zheng, the Magistrate of Huaiyin from which the Xiao clan of Nanlanling originated—founded the Southern Qi, he established several Qiao (exile) provinces around Jiankang to consolidate his rule, such as Qing Province, Ji Province, and Northern Yan Province. Although these exile provinces had no actual territorial jurisdiction, they functioned similarly to regular provinces and commanderies through household registration and taxation systems.

The Qiao Province System and Functional Shifts

The Southern Dynasties implemented the "Qiao Zhou Qiao Jun" (exile provinces and exile commanderies) system, which involved establishing provinces, commanderies, and counties with names identical to their original counterparts in regions not under actual control. For example, Southern Qi set up exile provinces in areas like Jing Province and Ying Province, both to pacify displaced populations and safeguard the interests of influential aristocratic families. Although these exile provinces lacked physical territory, the implementation of the "Tuduan" policy aligned their household registration and taxation systems with those of regular provinces and commanderies, thereby strengthening central control over local administration.

Case Study

Taking the Liang Dynasty as an example, its territory initially covered only the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River when Xiao Yan declared himself emperor in 479 AD. However, after the suppression of the Hou Jing Disturbance, its domain gradually contracted to the area south of the Yangtze. During this period, the establishment of provinces increasingly emphasized military defense, such as the addition of Yue Province and Yi Province, though their administrative effectiveness was notably weaker than in previous dynasties.

Historical Context

This evolution was closely linked to the frequent warfare and population migrations during the late Eastern Jin period. For instance, the migration of the Xiao family—from Xiao Zheng, Magistrate of Huaiyin, to the Xiao clan of Nanlanling—reflects the interplay between administrative adjustments and population movements during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period.