Chiefdom of Lijiang

The Chiefdom of Lijiang (; Naxi: ) was a Nakhi autonomous Tusi chiefdom that ruled Lijiang during Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasty.

History At first, Lijiang was ruled by Yuexi Zhao (越巂詔). Later, it was annexed by Nanzhao. According to legend, ancestor Lijiang chieftains was a Mongol.

Mongolians invaded the Dali in 1253. Moubao Acong (牟保阿琮), the chieftain of Lijiang, surrendered to the Mongol Empire. His son was granted the title Lijiang Lu Xuanweishi (麗江路宣慰使) by Yuan dynasty.

After the Ming dynasty came into power, the chieftain Ajia Ade swore allegiance to the Ming dynasty. Hongwu Emperor gave him the Chinese name "Mu De" (木得). From then on, chieftains of Lijiang also had Chinese name; they started to use Chinese surname Mu (木). They received the official position "Magistrate of Lijiang" (麗江知府) from Chinese emperor.

Chieftains of Lijiang helped Ming China in Ming conquest of Yunnan and Luchuan–Pingmian campaigns. They also seized many territories from neighbouring chiefdoms.

Lijiang saw its golden age during Mu Zeng's reign; It became the most powerful in present-day southwestern China. Lijiang attacked Gyalrong people frequently, and invaded Kingdom of Chakla. King of Chakla had to appeal for China's help. However, Mu Zeng promised to Chinese that he would offer soldiers in Ming–Manchu War. It was a successful diplomatic effort, Ming China did nothing but send an envoy to Lijiang to call for a cease-fire.

After Manchu conquest of China, chieftain Mu Yi (木懿) swore allegiance to Manchu Qing dynasty. In 1673, Wu Sangui revolted against Qing dynasty. Mu Yi rejected to swear allegiance to Wu Sangui, and was thrown into prison. Mu Yi was released after the rebellion was put down, and restored.

The Chiefdom of Lijiang was abolished by Yongzheng Emperor in 1723. Since then, the magistrates of Lijiang were all Han Chinese; they were appointed by Chinese emperor directly. The leader of Mu family was granted the title Tǔ Tōngpàn (土通判) from Chinese court, but had no real power.

Culture Lijiang culture was deeply influenced by both Chinese and Tibetan culture. Nakhi people accepted Confucianism. Many chieftains were well-educated. Mu Tai (木泰), (木公), Mu Gao (木高), Mu Qing (木青), Mu Zeng (木增) and Mu Jing (木靖) were good at writing Chinese poetry.

In 1639, Xu Xiake, a Chinese travel writer, came to Lijiang. Xu was warmly welcomed by Mu Zeng.徐霞客与木增青铜像落户丽江

Many Nakhi people also accepted the Tibetan Buddhism. Chieftain Mu Zeng provided shelter for Chöying Dorje, 10th Karmapa.

Old Town of Lijiang was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 4, 1997.

List of Lijiang chieftains

Portrait Nakhi name Chinese name Reign Notes Acong Aliang阿琮阿良 ?–? Aliang Ahu阿良阿胡 ?–? Ahu Alie阿胡阿烈 ?–? Alie Ajia阿烈阿甲 ?–? Ajia Ade阿甲阿得 Mu De木得 ?–1390 started to use the surname "Mu" Ade Achu阿得阿初 Mu Chu木初 1390–1416 Achu Adu阿初阿土 Mu Tu木土 1416–1433 Adu Adi阿土阿地 Mu Sen木森 1433–1442 Adi Axi阿地阿習 Mu Qin木嶔 1442–1485 Axi Aya阿習阿牙 Mu Tai木泰 1485–1502 Aya Aqiu阿牙阿秋 Mu Ding木定 1502–1526 Aqiu Agong阿秋阿公 木公 1526–1553 Agong Amu阿公阿目 Mu Gao木高 1553–1568 Amu Adu阿目阿都 Mu Dong木東 1568–1579 Adu Asheng阿都阿勝 Mu Wang木旺 1579–1596 Asheng Azhai阿勝阿宅 Mu Qing木青 1596–1597 Azhai Asi阿宅阿寺 Mu Zeng木增 1597–1623 Asi Achun阿寺阿春 Mu Yi木懿 1623–1669 Achun Asu阿春阿俗 Mu Jing木靖 1669–1671 Mu You木櫾 1671–1680 Asu Awei阿俗阿胃 Mu Yao木堯 1680–1684 Aw-Wùa Aw-Khüwritten as "Awei Ahui" (阿胃阿揮) in Chinese translated version Mu Xing木興 1684–1720 Aw-Khü A-dzuwritten as "Ahui Azhu" (阿揮阿住) in Chinese translate version Mu Zhong木鐘 1722–1723 title abolished in 1723

See also Chiefdom of Yongning

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