Research on the Lifang System and Related Issues

Abstract

This paper, using epitaphs as primary source materials, discusses the emergence and evolution of the fang from the Northern Wei Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty and analyzes the distribution of the fang within cities. It argues that the establishment of the fang as a planning and administrative unit in cities during that period possessed a certain degree of contingency. Based solely on epitaph evidence, the fang in local cities during the Tang Dynasty were not entirely confined within city walls; some existed outside the walls. Furthermore, the proliferation of the fang system in local cities likely occurred after the mid-Tang period. Given that the li held far greater significance and influence than the fang in both administrative management and people’s daily life, even if a fangshi system existed, a more accurate designation would be the lishi system.

Keywords

lifang system / Head of Li / Head of Fang / fangshi system

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Higher Education Press