Upper Yellow River Region: History and Relics

Author: Mi Yizhi / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features: This book is an introductory guide to the historical and cultural heritage of the upper reaches of the Yellow River, one of the cradles of the Chinese nation. It combines academic rigor, ideological depth, knowledge, and readability. Based on decades of historical research and archaeological discoveries, and referencing various historical documents, the author integrates their findings to comprehensively discuss the history of the upper Yellow River region, spanning thousands of miles and thousands of years. This includes politics, economy, ethnicity, military, transportation, trade, culture, religion, Sino-Western exchanges, resource development, and tourism. The book examines and describes representative cultural relics, scenic spots, and prominent families, supported by evidence and references, accompanied by 48 illustrations. It is a scholarly work of both academic and reference value, offering knowledge and insight. It brings to light the diverse historical aspects of this once-mysterious and neglected multi-ethnic region, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. It stands as an excellent academic contribution to exploring the humanistic resources of the western regions. For anyone interested in this western land, whether as a scholar, investor, or builder, this book is highly recommended.
The Western Hexi The term "Hexi" refers to the region west of the Yellow River between Gansu and Qinghai provinces, primarily encompassing the Hexi Corridor in Gansu and the Tongzhong area in Qinghai. The Hexi Corridor is so named because it is a narrow passage sandwiched between the Beishan, Heli, and Longshou mountains to the north and the Qilian Mountains to the south. The northern mountains, though acting as a barrier, are fragmented with gaps, making them a major route for the Xiongnu's southward migrations. Crossing the Hexi Corridor and the Qilian Mountains leads to the Tongzhong area in Qinghai. The Tongzhong region, flanked by the Qilian Mountains to the north and the Southern Qinghai Mountains to the south, with the Huangshui River flowing through it, has been a strategically significant location since ancient times.
The Hexi region is mentioned as early as the Yu Gong chapter of the Shang Shu, believed to have been written during the Warring States period, but it gained prominence only after Zhang Qian's diplomatic missions to the Western Regions. Historical records indicate that the earliest inhabitants of the Hexi region were the Dayuezhi, Usun, and Western Qiang peoples. The Dayuezhi (pronounced Rouzhi) and Usun initially lived a nomadic life in the Dunhuang and Qilian Mountains areas of the Hexi Corridor. The Dayuezhi, benefiting from the fertile pastures on the northern slopes of the Qilian Mountains, had abundant livestock and a prosperous nation, "controlling over 100,000 archers" and dominating the region. They often disregarded the Xiongnu and forcibly demanded tribute from them. At that time, the Xiongnu ruler was Tuoman, who had a crown prince named Modun, who later became the dominant figure in the northern frontier. Tuoman's favored consort gave birth to a younger son, whom he deeply loved and considered replacing Modun as heir. Thus, Tuoman sent Modun to the Dayuezhi as a hostage. Soon after Modun arrived, Tuoman launched a swift attack on the Dayuezhi, hoping to eliminate Modun through their hands. The Dayuezhi king, furious, wanted to kill Modun, forcing him to steal a fine horse and flee back to the Xiongnu. Impressed by Modun's bravery and ferocity, Tuoman appointed him to lead a cavalry force of over 10,000. With this force, Modun assassinated his father Tuoman in 209 BCE and proclaimed himself Chanyu. Shortly after, Modun launched a campaign that decisively defeated the Dayuezhi. During the reign of the Elder Shang Chanyu, the Xiongnu again conquered the Dayuezhi, killed their king, and used his head as a drinking vessel. The queen of the Dayuezhi king, filled with resentment, led her people to migrate far west to the territory of modern-day Afghanistan, where they continued their nomadic life. A small group of weaker Dayuezhi, including the elderly, women, and children, crossed the Qilian Mountains and settled in the Tongzhong region, becoming known as the "Small Dayuezhi."
The Usun, once a powerful state in the Western Regions, also fell under Xiongnu rule after the Dayuezhi's defeat. According to the Records of the Han Dynasty·Biography of the Xiongnu, the highest ruler of the Xiongnu was the Chanyu, who was assisted by left and right (Xianwang). Below them were various kings and generals, each with their own relatively stable pastoral territories. The Chanyu resided centrally, with their court located in Dai Commandery (modern-day Yü County in Hebei) and Yunzhong (modern-day Togto County in Inner Mongolia). The left Xianwang and his subordinates occupied the eastern regions, including Shanggu Commandery (modern-day Huailai County in Hebei), while the right Xianwang and his subordinates controlled the western regions, including Shang Commandery (modern-day Yulin County in Shaanxi). The Hexi Corridor thus became the pastoral land of Xiutu and Hunyao, subordinates of the right Xianwang of the Xiongnu.
The Western Qiang people primarily inhabited the Tongzhong region. Historical records state that during the Warring States period, Wuyejian, a Qin captive, escaped to Tongzhong and taught the Qiang people to cultivate grains, earning them the title of leader among the Qiang. His descendants flourished, ruling the region for generations. By the time of Qin Shi Huang, the Qin state focused on the east, seeking to unify the six kingdoms, leaving the Qiang people uninvolved in warfare and able to thrive. After the right Xianwang of the Xiongnu took control of the Hexi Corridor, the Qiang people became closely linked with the Xiongnu, posing a significant border threat to the Han Dynasty.
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