Nándān

Nandan lies among the mountains of northwestern Guangxi, on the approaches to Guizhou. Its name was recorded in the Song period and was associated with the cinnabar presented to the court as tribute. The Mo family held authority here for centuries, their hereditary office surviving changes of dynasty and forming one of the longest-lasting native chieftaincies in Guangxi. In 1374, the early Ming government incorporated several neighbouring prefectures into Nandan. The family’s authority endured under the Qing: surviving appointments issued by the Nandan native prefect in the Jiaqing reign show local officeholders receiving their commissions from the hereditary ruler.