Map Introduction

I. Administrative Integration of the Ba-Han Region in the Early Sui Dynasty (581–604 AD)

In the 3rd year of the Kaihuang era (583 AD) under Emperor Wen of Sui, the "Abolition of Commanderies and Retention of Prefectures" reform was implemented. The old administrative systems of Liang Prefecture, Ba Prefecture, and others were abolished, and the Ba-Han region was incorporated under the jurisdiction of the Yizhou Area Command. In the 18th year of the Kaihuang era (598 AD), Ba Prefecture was re-established, governing seven counties including Qinghua and Guiren, forming an administrative system centered on Bazhong. After Yang Guang ascended the throne, in the 3rd year of the Daye era (607 AD), prefectures were changed back to commanderies. The Ba-Han region was divided into Qinghua Commandery (seat: Bazhong), Hanchuan Commandery (seat: Nanzheng), and Dangqu Commandery (seat: Qu County).

II. Construction of the Military Defense System

During Emperor Yang's reign, the "Micang Road" military route was established in the Ba-Han region, connecting Hanzhong and Bazhong. In the 9th year of the Daye era (613 AD), a "Bazhong Military Garrison" was set up in Qinghua Commandery, where stationed troops opened up farmland to guard against minority groups in the southwest. This area became a strategic location connecting Guanzhong with Ba-Shu (Sichuan). Li Yuan used this route when he entered Shu at the end of the Sui Dynasty.

III. Economic Development and Ethnic Integration

The Sui Dynasty implemented the Equal-Field System in the Ba-Han region and excavated the "Bazhong Canal" to irrigate farmland. Census statistics from the 5th year of the Daye era (609 AD) showed that Qinghua Commandery registered 32,000 households, a 47% increase compared to the Northern Zhou period. Concurrently, through the policy of "using Han methods to govern non-Han peoples," the Cong people were registered into household registries, promoting ethnic integration.

IV. Late Sui Turmoil and Local Separatism (611–618 AD)

In the 7th year of the Daye era (611 AD), the "Baliao Uprising" (an uprising of the local Lao people) broke out in Qinghua Commandery, which the Sui court suppressed by sending Yang Yichen. In the 13th year of the Daye era (617 AD), the Administrator of Dangqu Commandery, Du Fuwei, established his own separatist regime, submitting to Li Yuan the following year. Sui rule in the Ba-Han region was ultimately replaced by the Tang Dynasty founded by Li Yuan, the Duke of Tang.

V. Historical Impact

The Sui Dynasty's administrative integration of the Ba-Han region laid the foundation for the establishment of the "Shannan Circuit" in the Tang Dynasty. Its military defense system was adopted by the Tang and became an important component of the "Jiannan Circuit." Economic development transformed the area from a "wild, uncivilized land" into a "breadbasket," providing material support for Emperor Xuanzong of Tang's retreat to Shu after the An Lushan Rebellion.