Map Introduction

During the Sui Dynasty (583-607 AD), significant adjustments were made to the administrative divisions of the Minshu region, primarily encompassing modern Sichuan, Chongqing, and surrounding areas. The evolution during this period can be divided into two stages:

Consolidation of Provinces/Commanderies and Establishment of a Two-Tier System

In the early Sui period (583 AD), the commandery level was abolished, reverting to a two-tier system of Provinces (Zhou) and Counties (Xian). In the Minshu region, commanderies were established, including Shu Commandery (modern Chengdu), Fuling Commandery (modern Chongqing), Baxi Commandery (modern Langzhong), Linqiong Commandery (modern Ya'an), and Tongchuan Commandery (modern Santai). For instance, Chengdu County was subordinate to Shu Commandery, while Yandao County (modern Ya'an) belonged to Linqiong Commandery. This reorganization broke the pattern of regional fragmentation inherited from the Northern and Southern Dynasties and strengthened central control over the southwestern frontier.

Brief Restoration of the Commandery-Level Structure

In the 3rd year of the Daye era (607 AD), Emperor Yang of Sui restored the commandery-level administration, converting the former provinces (Zhou) into commanderies (Jun). In the Minshu region, a branch office of the Colonel-Director of Retainers (Sili Xiaowei) was added for oversight. The major commanderies in the region at this time included: * Shu Commandery: Seat at Chengdu, administering Chengdu County, etc. * Fuling Commandery: Seat in modern Chongqing, administering Fuling County. * Baxi Commandery: Seat at Langzhong, administering Langzhong County. * Linqiong Commandery: Seat in modern Ya'an, administering Yandao County, etc.

The characteristics of the administrative divisions during this period were:

• Simplified Hierarchy: The structure was compressed from the three-tier system of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (Province -> Commandery -> County) to a two-tier system (Province/Commandery -> County), reducing administrative layers.
• Geographical Integration: By abolishing redundant provinces and commanderies, urban clusters centered on cities like Chengdu and Chongqing were formed.
• Strengthened Oversight: The establishment of branch inspectorates, like that of the Colonel-Director of Retainers, enhanced direct central management of the southwestern frontier.

Note: Due to discrepancies in historical sources regarding the specific names of commanderies and counties in the Minshu region, the information above synthesizes records from multiple references.