The Historical Map of Central Dali During the Jin Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty
Map Introduction
I. Political Landscape and Regime Characteristics
The Dali Kingdom, centered in the Erhai Lake region, maintained a relatively independent political system during the Southern Song and Jin periods (1127–1234). Established by the Duan clan of the Bai people, this southwestern kingdom pursued a "river as boundary" policy, maintaining peaceful relations with the Song Dynasty. Its political center, Yangjumie City (modern Dali Old Town), continued the urban layout inherited from the Nanzhao period, forming a governance model centered on royal authority with shared power among the nobility. The Gao clan, as powerful ministers, long dominated the court, even briefly usurping the throne in 1094 to establish the "Great Zhonghe" before the Duan rule was restored. During this period, the Dali Kingdom had no direct diplomatic relations with the Jin Dynasty but maintained a symbolic tributary relationship with the Central Plains dynasties through indirect connections with the Song court.
II. Special Diplomatic Relations with the Southern Song
Peaceful Coexistence under the Tributary System: In the early Northern Song, Zhao Kuangyin's "Jade Axe Delineating the River" established the Dadu River as the boundary, creating an understanding of a "fraternal relationship." In 1115, Dali King Duan Heyu (prototype for the fictional Duan Yu) received official recognition from Emperor Huizong of Song as "Military Commissioner of Yunnan and King of Dali." Both sides maintained relations through regular tribute missions. Although the Southern Song remained wary of Dali, economic exchanges continued, with new Dali kings still required to travel to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) to request investiture.
Economic Ties of Tea-Horse Trade: Official markets established in Lizhou (modern Hanyuan, Sichuan) and Yazhou (modern Ya'an, Sichuan) facilitated the annual exchange of 3,000–5,000 Dali horses for tea and silk. Private merchant caravans were active along the Tea-Horse Road, transporting Dali marble and medicinal herbs to Lin'an and returning with porcelain, ironware, and other goods. This complementary economic relationship fostered a unique "semi-allied" status between the two polities.
III. Characteristics of Economic and Cultural Development
Agricultural and Commercial Prosperity: Following Duan Siping's reforms, agricultural techniques improved in the Erhai region, leading to significantly increased grain yields. Yangjumie City became a major commercial hub in the southwest, connecting trade between Tibet and Southeast Asia. Currency in circulation included both Dali-minted "Datong Bao" coins and Song copper cash, indicating deep economic integration.
Multicultural Fusion: Buddhism reached its zenith, with 9 of the 22 Dali emperors taking monastic vows. Architectural landmarks like the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple were constructed. The kingdom also absorbed Confucian classics and the imperial examination system, creating a cultural atmosphere compatible with Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. Accounts by missionaries like Matteo Ricci noted street scenes where Han Chinese attire coexisted with traditional Bai clothing.
IV. Social Structure and Ethnic Composition
Multi-ethnic Society Dominated by Bai: The society was primarily composed of the Baiman (ancestors of the Bai people), integrated with other groups like the Wuman, Bo people, and Han Chinese. A "Thirty-Seven Tribes" system was implemented, exercising loose control over surrounding tribes. The nobility consolidated power through marriage alliances, as seen in Duan Siping's collaboration with Gao Fang and Dong Galuo to establish the regime.
Liberal Social Policies: The tradition initiated by Duan Siping of "halving the grain tax and relaxing corvée labor for three years" was continued. Different ethnic groups were allowed to retain their customs. The widespread influence of Buddhism helped alleviate social tensions, creating a unique social landscape known as the "Kingdom of Fragrant Incense."
V. Key Historical Junctures and Impact
- Turning Point in 1234: Following the fall of the Jin Dynasty, Mongol pressure prompted subtle changes in Dali's relationship with the Southern Song.
- Battle of Gaohe (1244): The death of powerful minister Gao He, who led troops resisting a Mongol detachment, foreshadowed the impending crisis.
- Cultural Heritage: Structures like the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple and the White King Pagoda stand today as witnesses to this historical period.
The evolution of central Dali during this period demonstrates that, against the macro-background of Song-Jin confrontation, the southwestern region maintained interaction with the Central Plains through economic and cultural ties. Its model of "small state with effective governance" provides a unique case study for understanding the relationship between frontier polities and the central dynasties.