Gui Prefecture (Hebei)

Gui Prefecture (歸義州), also known as Guizhou, was a prefecture (zhou) in imperial China located in modern-day Hebei province. It existed primarily during the Tang and Five Dynasties periods.

The prefecture was established during the Tang dynasty, likely in the late 7th or early 8th century. It was situated in the area corresponding to present-day Laiyuan County, Hebei.

The administrative history of Gui Prefecture is somewhat unclear due to limited surviving records. It appears to have been a relatively minor prefecture, likely focused on managing local populations and border defense. Its establishment probably reflected Tang imperial policy aimed at extending control and influence in the northern regions, particularly in areas inhabited by non-Han ethnic groups.

During the Five Dynasties period, after the collapse of the Tang, the area of Gui Prefecture came under the control of various regional warlords and successor states. Its importance and administrative status likely fluctuated depending on the prevailing political situation. Information regarding its fate during this period is scarce.

The exact date and circumstances of the prefecture's abolition are not entirely certain, but it likely ceased to exist during the Song dynasty. Further research is needed to fully understand its administrative boundaries, population demographics, and its role in the broader historical context of Hebei during the Tang and Five Dynasties periods.