Map Introduction

Establishment and Initial Structure of the Liao Nanjing Circuit (938–959 AD)

In the 1st year of the Huitong era (938 AD) under Emperor Taizong of Liao, Youzhou was elevated to Nanjing (the Southern Capital), also known as Xijin Prefecture, becoming one of the five Liao capitals. It governed seven prefectures, including You, Ji, Ying, and Mo, and served as the core of Liao control over the Yan-Yun region. The Nanjing Circuit inherited the military traditions of the Tang's Fanyang Command. Initially designated as the Lulong Army, its jurisdiction extended north to the Yan Mountains, west to the Jundu Mountains, east to the Bohai Sea, and its southern boundary reached central Hebei. The Liao implemented a policy of "governing according to local customs" here, retaining the Han-style prefecture and county system while achieving separate administration for Khitans and Han Chinese through the Northern and Southern Administration systems.

Strengthening of the Military Defense System (959–1004 AD)

After Emperor Shizong of the Later Zhou's northern expedition in the 9th year of the Yingli era (959 AD) under Emperor Muzong of Liao, the southern boundary of the Nanjing Circuit receded to the Baigou River (modern Juma River), establishing the prolonged stalemate between the Song and Liao. Generals such as the Nanjing Liushou (Resident Administrator) Xiao Siwen concurrently held the post of Commander-in-Chief of Soldiers and Horses, responsible for border defense. Forts were added along the Juma River. During the reign of Emperor Shengzong (r. 983–1031 AD), a fixed system emerged: the Nanjing Liushou routinely also served as the Southern Front Field Commander, overseeing financial institutions like the Three Commissions and the Pingzhou Silk and Cloth Treasury, creating an integrated military-administrative structure.

Transformation after the Chanyuan Treaty (1005–1122 AD)

Following the Chanyuan Treaty, the Nanjing Circuit transitioned from a military frontline to an economic and cultural center. Its population reached 566,000 (accounting for over half of the Liao's registered adult males), making it a major Han cultural hub rivaling Bianjing (the Song capital). In the 1st year of the Kaitai era (1012 AD), the name Youdu Prefecture was changed to Xijin Prefecture, and the Lulong Army designation was abolished, marking the diminishment of its military character. The circuit implemented the imperial examination system for selecting officials and retained the Tang-style prefectures and counties, forming a pattern where "among the Five Capitals, Yanjing [Nanjing] was the most prosperous."

Collapse in the Late Liao and Reorganization under the Jin (Post-1123 AD)

After the rise of the Jurchens in the 5th year of the Tianqing era (1115 AD), the Nanjing Circuit regained its importance as a strategic military area. In the 2nd year of the Baoda era (1122 AD), Jin forces captured Yanjing, leading to the dissolution of the Liao Nanjing Circuit. The Jin Dynasty subsequently reorganized the area into the Zhongdu Route, continuing the administrative traditions of the Yan-Yun region. The evolution of the Liao Nanjing Circuit over more than 150 years exemplifies the ruling wisdom of a nomadic regime in administering agrarian regions by "adapting governance to local customs."