Map Introduction

I. Administrative Status and Military Functions

During the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), Chengdu Prefecture, serving as the seat of the Chuan-Shan Pacification Commission, became the strategic core of resistance against the Jin and later the Mongols. Its administrative structure followed the typical Song "tripartite" model: the Prefect (commander of Shu) oversaw military and administrative affairs, the Controller-general supervised finances, and the Fiscal Intendant managed taxation. In the 4th year of the Shaoxing era (1134 AD), Wu Jie established the Sichuan Military Command here, centralizing the defense coordination for Sichuan and Shaanxi.

II. Economic and Financial Innovation

As a financial pillar of the Southern Song, Chengdu Prefecture bore 70% of the military expenditures for the Sichuan-Shaanxi war zone. It was here that the Jiaozi paper currency transitioned from private credit instruments to official state issue. A Jiaozi Bureau was established in the 29th year of Shaoxing (1159 AD), with an annual issuance reaching 5 million strings of cash. The textile industry continued to thrive, with the reputation of the "Brocade Official City" reaching overseas markets via the Maritime Silk Road.

III. Cultural and Educational Development

The Chengdu Prefectural School was the largest in southwestern China. During the Chunxi era (1174–1189 AD), it had over 3,000 registered students. The poet-official Lu You noted that "the prosperity of Shu learning is unequaled in the southwest." The local printing industry developed the reputable "Chengdu Prefectural School edition" brand. The edition of the Imperial Reader of the Taiping Era printed in the 17th year of Shaoxing (1147 AD) became the official standard version.

IV. Vicissitudes during the Mongol-Yuan Wars

Mongol forces first breached the city walls in the 3rd year of the Duanping era (1236 AD). In the 1st year of the Jiaxi era (1237 AD), Yu Jie oversaw its reconstruction and integrated it into his innovative "Mountain City Defense System," making Chengdu Prefecture a pivotal hub in the "Sanquan-Dahuo-Diaoyu City" defensive line. The prefectural city finally fell in the 1st year of the Xianchun era (1265 AD), its population plummeting from around 400,000 during the Shaoxing era (1131–1162 AD) to less than 50,000.

V. Evolution of Urban Form

Affected by warfare, the city walls of Chengdu Prefecture were rebuilt multiple times. Archaeological evidence shows it retained the "Tortoise City" layout from the Qin Dynasty period, but its fortifications were significantly strengthened, with wall thickness increased to 12 meters and the addition of eight barbican gates. Regarding water management, the Funan River was dredged in the 9th year of the Qiandao era (1173 AD), creating a new urban landscape described as "two rivers embracing the city."

VI. Historical Assessment

Chengdu Prefecture's unique status during the Southern Song made it a microcosm of the "half of the realm" holding out against northern invaders. Its financial innovations supported the war effort against the Mongols, and its cultural achievements perpetuated the intellectual traditions of the Ba-Shu region, ultimately fulfilling its historical role during the momentous conflicts of the Mongol-Yuan conquest.