Running Yanyun And Its Historical Significance In The Early Liao Dynasty

In the first year of Huitong, that is in November938, Shi Jingtang sent Zhao Ying to consecrate16states covering the north of Yan Jing and Yan Men to Liao Dynasty. From this time, Sixteen Prefectures, as a new geographic concept, came into ancient Chinese history. It was famous for its crucial strategic location and attracted both Liao Dynasty and earlier Song Dynasty’highly attention. What’s more, it caused many important historical events between the two Dynasties. There is no doubt that Sixteen Prefectures is becoming the hot topic in the study of the history of Liao and Song, as well as their relationships. However, recent researches on Yan Yun pay more attention to its role of the northern channel, crucial military strategy and its influence on making polices of the Central Plains region and the foreign policies of Liao Dynasty than to uncover its crucial strategic location from the aspects of the physical geography, human environment, military and authority all together. In author’s opinion, it is necessary to conduct an.overall and systematic study on the Liao Dynasty’s long and persistent efforts to get the authority of16sates as well as on the great influence on the surrounding authorities and later generations.The16states of Liao Dynasty generally cover today’s the north of Shanxi and Hebei province, containing Beijing and Tianjin. They belong to the northern edge of the North China Plain and part of the loess plateau. Owing to the typical warm continental climate with appropriate climate, soil, hydrology and terrain, the16states are suitable for the development of agriculture. The16states possess significant position of economical strategy, along with the artificial Great Wall and natural military forts like Yukou, Songting, Gubeikou, Juyong, Yanmen and so on. All of this highlights the importance of the16states to Liao arid Song Dynasty.The Sixteen Prefectures was so important that Qidan regime, which became stronger and stronger,must join together in struggle for it with the central regime. Liao Dynasty, from916A.D.to1125A.D. was set up by the Qidan nationality. It based on northern prairie area and existed for more than two hundred years. What’s more, Liao Dynasty conflicted with the central Dynasty which included the Later Liang Dynasty (907-923),the Later Tang Dynasty (923-936),the Later Jin Dynasty (936-946),the Later Han Dynasty (947-950),the Later Zhou Dynasty (951-960) of the Five Dynasties period and Song Dynasty (960-1127). Liao Dynasty went through all the hardships in order to get and protect Sixteen Prefectures. For example, Taizu found. Liao Dynasty, and Shengzong battled for Liao Dynasty. Although Sixteen Prefectures had been classified as Liao dynasty, the central dynasty regarded it as the old Han soil, and see Qidan as savage north clan,and think the Sixteen Prefectures to Liao Dynasty is a great shame for them.Therefore, it went contrary to what they expected, such as Chairong northern battle and the war of early Song Dynasty.At last, Chanyuan Treaty made the final result.It is that the Central Dynasty finally admitted the fact that the Sixteen Prefectures belonged to Liao Dynasty.After getting the16states, Liao Taizong immediately adjusted national institutions and established the policy-"custom and rule". And he took the flexible policies to the different areas.And the following Emperors improved it. As for the Sixteen Prefectures, it kept the original states and maintained the agriculture of Yanyun. It not only stabilized the domestic peace, but also promoted the development and prosperity of all aspects of Liao regime, such as politics, economy, culture and so on.Yanyun to Liao had a great significance on Liao Dynasty. Liao Dynasty successfully governed the southern farmers and savage north clan. This was an example of success that Liao Dynasty ruled both pastoral and farming area in ancient Chinese history. It would favor the exchanges of economy and culture between Liao and Song, and promoted the domestic and ethnic relationship harmonious. And also it improved the historical status of Liao Dynasty in ancient Chinese history.