The Historical Map of Nanjing Road in the Jin Dynasty of China
Map Introduction
I. Administrative Establishment and Geographical Scope
The Jin Dynasty's Nanjing Circuit was established in 1153 (the 1st year of the Zhenyuan reign), reformed from the former Bianjing Circuit. Its administrative center was Kaifeng Prefecture (modern Kaifeng, Henan), serving as a significant secondary capital within the Jin's Five Capitals system. Its jurisdiction incorporated the entirety of the Song Dynasty's Jingji Circuit and Jingxibei Circuit, along with the northern part of Huainandong Circuit. It governed 2 Superior Prefectures (Guide Prefecture, Henan Prefecture), 8 Defense Prefectures, and 8 Ordinary Prefectures, covering most of modern Henan, southern Shandong, and parts of Anhui and Jiangsu. Its geographical scope spanned approximately 110°-118° E and 32°-35.5° N, bounded by Yanjin County to the north, the Huai River to the south, Taihua Mountain to the west, and Sizhou to the east, placing it at the core of the Jin-Song border region.
II. Evolution of Political Status
- Initial Marginalization (1127–1140): In the early Jin period, the former Northern Song capital was viewed as expendable. The puppet Qi regime was first installed, later abolished and replaced by the Bianjing Circuit, reflecting its low political standing.
- Secondary Capital Period (1153–1214): After Emperor Hailingwang moved the primary capital to Yanjing, Kaifeng was elevated to Nanjing Prefecture, becoming the military command center for southern campaigns against the Southern Song. During the 1161 southern expedition, the Nanjing Circuit briefly served as the empire's administrative heart.
- De Facto Capital Period (1214–1233): In 1214, Emperor Xuanzong moved the capital to Nanjing, making it the political core of the late Jin Dynasty until its capture by the Mongols in 1233.
III. Military Standoff with the Southern Song
The Nanjing Circuit functioned as a key base for Jin advances southward, playing a pivotal role in the Jin-Song wars:
- 1125–1127: Wanyan Zongwang led the eastern army from the Nanjing Circuit to breach the Northern Song capital, Dongjing.
- 1129: Wanyan Wuzhu advanced south via the Nanjing Circuit in pursuit of Emperor Gaozong of Song, leading to the Battle of Huangtiandang.
- 1161: Emperor Hailingwang launched a large-scale southern invasion using the Nanjing Circuit as his staging ground.
- Late Period Defense: It became the frontline for defending against Northern Song expeditions, relying on defensive systems along the Huai River - Yellow River line.
IV. Characteristics of Economic Development
- Commercial Prosperity: Its 98 towns constituted one-fifth of the national total, with Guide Prefecture noted for its bustling markets. Border trade through authorized markets evolved in three phases: initial establishment after the 1142 peace accord, flourishing after the 1164 agreement, and decline post-1208.
- Developed Handicrafts: Ceramics and mining/metallurgy were primary industries. Ruzhou's Wentang emerged as a new commercial center around hot springs.
- Transport Infrastructure: Canal transport for timber was developed, courier station networks were established, and pontoon bridges were built to improve water transport.
V. Cultural Fusion and Characteristics
As a zone of interaction between Jurchen and Han Chinese civilizations, the Nanjing Circuit's culture exhibited:
- Literary Flourishing: A literary style associated with the southern migration flourished, producing numerous scholars.
- Religious Development: Temple economies thrived at sites like Fengxue Temple and Lingshan Temple.
- Artistic Fusion: Bianjing variety plays laid the groundwork for Jin zaju drama, while architecture and painting blended ethnic characteristics.
VI. Status after the Fall of Jin
The Mongols captured the Nanjing Circuit in 1233. The Yuan Dynasty initially retained the old name, changing it to Bianliang Circuit in 1288. Its historical status illustrates the southward shift of the Jin Dynasty's administrative focus and serves as a geographical microcosm of the century-long Jin-Song confrontation.