Duan Prefecture (Chinese: 端州; pinyin: Duānzhōu), also known as Duanzhou, was a zhou (prefecture) in imperial China, located in what is now modern Guangdong Province. Its administrative center was situated in the area of present-day Zhaoqing.
History
Duan Prefecture was established during the Sui dynasty in 589 CE, replacing the earlier Gaoyao Commandery. It was reestablished under the Tang dynasty in 621 CE and again in 758 CE. The prefecture was abolished in 1118 during the Song dynasty, when it was succeeded by Zhaoqing Prefecture.
Administration
Over its history, Duan Prefecture administered several counties, including:
- Gaoyao (高要) — roughly modern Zhaoqing city proper.
- Pingxing (平興) — roughly modern Gaoming District, Foshan (abolished by the Song dynasty in 972).
- Sihui (四會) — roughly modern Sihui (administered under Duan Prefecture only during the Song dynasty).
Economy and Culture
Duan Prefecture was a major production center of inkstones (known as Duan inkstones or duanyan), which were highly prized in Chinese calligraphy and painting. The region's stone was considered among the finest materials for inkstone carving.
Legacy
The modern Duanzhou District in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, is named after the historical prefecture.
