The Scale and Spatial Distribution of Prefectural Cities in Yunnan Province during Ming Dynasty

Ming dynasty witnessed the significant development of prefectural cities as a vital mechanism for establishing and sustaining governance in Yunnan province, thereby contributing to the broader urbanization efforts across the empire. However, owing to Yunnan’s distinctive geographic features, historical evolution, and social dynamics, the construction of prefectural cities in this region displayed unique characteristics compared to those in Central China. Drawing upon historical sources, this paper examines the establishment of prefectural cities in Yunnan during Ming dynasty, delving into their scale, grading, and spatial distribution patterns. Additionally, it considers factors such as Yunnan’s natural geography, social structure, and the central government’s administrative strategies toward remote regions during Ming dynasty.