Map Introduction

Historical Evolution of Nanzhao during the Tang Dynasty in China (738–902 AD)

I. Foundation of the Regime and Territorial Overview

Nanzhao was a local ethnic regime that existed in southwestern China during the Tang Dynasty. It was established in 738 AD (the 26th year of the Kaiyuan era, Tang Dynasty) when Piluoge, leader of the Mengshe Zhao, unified the Six Zhaos around the Erhai region (Mengshe, Mengxi, Yuexi, Langqiong, Tengdan, and Shilang) with Tang support. Its capital was set at Taihe City (modern Dali, Yunnan). Lasting 164 years (738–902 AD), Nanzhao reached its peak territory stretching north to the Dadu River, south to Muang Sua in modern Laos, west to Bhamo in Myanmar, and east to Pu'an in Guizhou, covering approximately 750,000 square kilometers. It was a significant political force on the Tang Dynasty's southwestern frontier. The dominant ethnic group was the Wuman (ancestors of the Yi people), who integrated with the Baiman (ancestors of the Bai people) and other groups, forming a unique political entity.

II. Evolution of Relations with the Tang Dynasty

• Initial Patronage and Confrontation: To counter the Tibetan Empire, the Tang Dynasty supported Nanzhao's unification of the Six Zhaos and enfeoffed Piluoge as the Prince of Yunnan. However, during the Tianbao era (751–754 AD), oppression by the Tang-appointed Governor of Yunnan, Zhang Qiantuo, provoked the two Tianbao Wars. Allying with the Tibetan Empire, Nanzhao inflicted major defeats on the Tang forces. Geluofeng erected the Nanzhao Dehua Stele to express his compelled defiance against the Tang, initiating over four decades of hostility.
• Zhenyuan Alliance and Return to Allegiance: In 793 AD, due to heavy exactions by the Tibetans, Nanzhao king Yimouxun, facilitated by the Tang emissary Wei Gao, formed an alliance with the Tang at Cangshan, restoring its tributary relationship. Thereafter, Nanzhao regularly paid tribute, accepted Tang titles, and served as a buffer state against the Tibetan Empire.

III. Political System, Economy, and Culture

• Political Structure: Nanzhao implemented a system combining "emulation of Tang institutions" with tribal confederacy. It established offices such as Qingpingguan (chief minister) and Great Army General, featuring shared governance between the king and the nobility. In its later period, powerful ministers dominated the court—like the Zheng Hui family, which controlled state affairs for an extended time—sowing the seeds for its downfall.
• Economy and Culture:
  • Agriculture: Terraced field irrigation was promoted, making the Erhai region a major grain-producing area.
  • Handicrafts: Renowned for "Nanzhao cloth" and gold/silver ware, it frequently traded with the Tang Dynasty and the Tibetan Empire.
  • Culture: Created "Nanzhao script" (based on Chinese characters). Esoteric Buddhism flourished. The Shizhong Mountain Grottoes in Jianchuan blended Han Chinese, Tibetan, and Nanzhao artistic styles.

IV. Major Historical Events and Territorial Changes

• Tianbao Wars (751–754 AD): The Tang army suffered two disastrous defeats in expeditions against Nanzhao. The "Ten Thousand Men's Tomb" (Wanren Zhong, in modern Dali) stands as a witness to these conflicts, which accelerated the Tang Dynasty's transition from prosperity to decline.
• Expansion and Contraction: In the late 8th century, Nanzhao attacked the Tibetan Empire in the north and campaigned against the Pyu Kingdom (in Myanmar) in the south. By the 9th century, it contracted to its core territory in Yunnan due to internal strife.

V. Causes of Demise and Historical Impact

• Demise: In 902 AD, the powerful minister Zheng Maishi (a seventh-generation descendant of Zheng Hui) staged a coup, massacring over 800 members of the Nanzhao royal family, and established the Da Changhe Kingdom, marking the end of Nanzhao.
• Assessment:
  • Positive: Promoted the unification of Yunnan, facilitated the spread of Han Chinese culture, and laid the foundation for the later Dali Kingdom.
  • Negative: Prolonged warfare drained national strength, and domination by powerful ministers led to political fragility.

The history of Nanzhao illustrates the complexity of Tang frontier governance and the adaptability of ethnic minority regimes. Its rise and fall profoundly influenced the ethnic landscape of southwestern China.