Map Introduction

The Establishment and Evolution of the Hexi Commanderies in the Sui Dynasty

During the early Sui period, Emperor Wen abolished the three-tier administrative system of provinces (Zhou), commanderies (Jun), and counties (Xian) in 583 AD to strengthen centralization, implementing instead a two-tier system of provinces directly governing counties. The former commanderies in the Hexi region, such as Liangzhou and Ganzhou, were abolished and reorganized into provinces like Liang and Gan, which reported directly to the central government. In 607 AD, Emperor Yang reinstated the commandery level, converting provinces back into commanderies: Liang Province became Wuwei Commandery, Gan Province became Zhangye Commandery, and Dunhuang Commandery was newly established. This formed the three core commanderies of the Hexi Corridor system. This restructuring was part of the Sui Dynasty's nationwide administrative reform, aimed at tightening control over the northwestern frontier.

Military Strategy and the Tuyuhun Threat

The Hexi commanderies occupied a strategic position along the Silk Road, serving as the Sui Dynasty's frontline defense against the Tuyuhun and the Göktürks. In 609 AD, Emperor Yang toured west to Zhangye, where he hosted a banquet for rulers from 27 Western Regions states and held a "Grand Exhibition of All Nations," underscoring the region's importance. Persistent disruptions of Silk Road trade by the Tuyuhun, including raids on merchant caravans, forced the Sui to station substantial garrisons in commanderies like Zhangye and Dunhuang under commanders such as Yin Shishi. In the late Sui period, allied Tuyuhun and Tangut forces repeatedly invaded Hexi, causing economic decline and population loss.

Ethnic Integration and Economic Characteristics

The Hexi region had been a multi-ethnic area since the Han Dynasty. During the Sui era, the population remained predominantly Han Chinese but included Xiongnu, Xianbei, Qiang, and other groups. The Sui court revived agricultural production through military farming colonies (tuntian) and population transfers to the borderlands. Commanderies like Zhangye and Wuwei became crucial supply bases for grain and military horses. Dunhuang Commandery thrived on Silk Road trade, establishing specialized offices to administer foreign merchants. Pei Ju compiled the "Map Record of the Western Regions" (Xiyu Tuji) here, documenting the customs and geography of 44 states.

Fragmentation in the Late Sui and Continuity into the Early Tang

Amid the turmoil of the late Sui, Li Gu seized control of five Hexi commanderies (Wuwei, Zhangye, Dunhuang, Jiuquan, and Xiping) and proclaimed himself the Prince of Liang. In 619 AD, Li Yuan dispatched Li Xiaogong to pacify Hexi and restore the commandery-county system. The Tang Dynasty inherited the Sui's administrative structure, and the Hexi commanderies continued to form the core of the Longyou Circuit. The predecessor of the Tang's Protectorate General to Pacify the West (Anxi Duhufu) originated from the military installations of Sui's Dunhuang Commandery. The Sui Dynasty's governance of Hexi laid the groundwork for the Tang's "Four Garrisons of Anxi" system.