The Historic Map of Zhili in the Qing Dynasty of China
Map Introduction
I. Establishment and Adjustment of the Administrative Framework
As a core region safeguarding the capital, Central Zhili's basic administrative structure was formed in the early Qing Dynasty. In 1645 (the 2nd year of the Shunzhi reign), Northern Zhili was redesignated as Zhili Province. Within its central region, Baoding Prefecture and Zhending Prefecture (renamed Zhengding Prefecture in 1723, the 1st year of the Yongzheng reign) served as the core administrative units. These prefectures governed directly-administered subprefectures (Zhilizhou) such as Qizhou, Anzhou, and Yizhou, along with 27 counties. During the Yongzheng period, to strengthen governance, additional directly-administered subprefectures like Tongzhou and Dazhou were established, forming a three-tier "Prefecture – Directly-Administered Subprefecture – County" management system. Baoding Prefecture administered 17 counties, while Zhending Prefecture controlled 5 subprefectures and 27 counties, solidifying their roles as the administrative hubs of Central Zhili.
II. Transformation of the Economic Structure
Agricultural Foundation: In the early Qing, the traditional small-scale peasant economy dominated, with significant development in cotton production. During the Qianlong era, Fang Guancheng, the Viceroy of Zhili, promoted cotton cultivation and presented the "Cotton Atlas" to the emperor. However, production remained family-based, with the "men farmed and women wove" model prevailing. The introduction of crops like maize and sweet potato increased yields but did not fundamentally alter the natural economic structure.
Commerce and Handicrafts: Leveraging its proximity to the capital, Baoding Prefecture developed into a regional commercial center, thriving in the trade of hides and medicinal herbs. Zhending Prefecture (Zhengding), a vital communication hub linking north and south, became a distribution market known as the "thoroughfare of nine provinces." Nonetheless, the overall economy remained constrained by traditional models, lagging noticeably behind the commodity economy of the southeastern coast.
III. Military and Governance Characteristics
The Viceroy of Zhili's Yamen in Baoding was the most powerful viceregal office in the country. Over 187 years, 74 viceroys handled crucial military and administrative affairs here. Key governance features included:
- Dual Management Mode: The league-banner system was implemented in the northern pastoral areas, while the prefecture-county system was applied in the central agricultural region.
- Military Integration: The Viceroy of Zhili concurrently held the title of Minister of War, commanding the Zhili Commander-in-Chief and the Green Standard Army to ensure the capital's security.
- Model of Integrity: Figures like Tang Zhiyu, whose governance focused on "enriching the people's livelihood and purifying the administration," died in office with no personal wealth, requiring burial funds granted by the Yongzheng Emperor.
IV. Modernization and Transformation (Mid-to-Late 19th Century)
Impact of Tianjin's Opening: After Tianjin became a treaty port in 1860, Central Zhili became connected to the port via railways (e.g., the Beijing-Hankou line). Baoding emerged as a key northern base for the Self-Strengthening Movement, establishing telegraph offices and modern schools.
Administrative Reforms: Following the "General Regulations for Provincial Administration" in 1907 (the 33rd year of the Guangxu reign), new departments like the Education Commissioner and the Police Commissioner were added in Zhili. This vertical specialization gradually diluted the Viceroy's overarching authority.
V. Cultural and Social Changes
- Educational Development: The Lianchi Academy, founded by Li Wei and expanded by Fang Guancheng, became a cultural center for Zhili.
- Ethnic Integration: The cohabitation of Manchus and Han Chinese in the central region fostered unique folk customs, such as Baoding's "Erba Xi" banquet tradition.
- Modernization Attempts: Zhili pioneered the introduction of Western policing and educational systems. During Yuan Shikai's tenure as Viceroy, New Policies were implemented, including establishing a Promotion of Industry Office to foster commerce and industry.
Summary
The transformation of Central Zhili from a traditional agricultural zone towards modernization reflects the complexity and adaptability of Qing local governance. Its evolutionary path was constrained by its critical political role in defending the capital, yet it integrated into the global process through Tianjin's opening, ultimately becoming a testing ground for the Late Qing Reforms.