Chiefdom of Lijiang
# Chiefdom of Lijiang

The Chiefdom of Lijiang (simplified Chinese: 丽江土司; traditional Chinese: 麗江土司; pinyin: Lìjiāng tǔsī; Naxi: Yiggv Tufsil) 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), Mu Gong [zh] (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.

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

| 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 | Mu Gong [zh] 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-Khü | Mu Xing 木興 | 1684–1720 | |
| Aw-Khü A-dzu | Mu Zhong 木鐘 | 1722–1723 | title abolished in 1723 |
