Abstract:

In Du Fu’s poem Ru Zou Hang Zeng Xi Shan Jian Cha Shi Dou ShiYu (入奏行赠西山检察使窦侍御) exists the line “Felling Trees in Huo Jing Arousing Shrieking of Apes” （斩木火井穷猿呼）.It reflects his concern for the defense of QiongZhou (邛州) and YaZhou (雅州) in Jian’nan Dao (剑南道). Similarly, he also mentions “The smoke of war spreads out into HuoJing” (烟尘侵火井)in his poem Xi Shan San Shou (西山三首), further revealing his anxiety about regional security of QiongZhou and YaZhou.

From the perspective of satellite imagery, I examine the crisscrossing ridgelines of the Western Mountains in Jian’nan, which often reach heights of up to 5,000 meters. These imposing natural barriers entirely surround and block potential Tibetan (吐蕃) incursions into QiongZhou (邛州) and YaZhou (雅州) via this route. Interestingly, Du Fu never visited QiongZhou or YaZhou himself. How should we interpret his concern for their defense in the context of the Tang-Tibetan conflicts?

Using digital methods, this study reconstructs three major transportation routes: the road from Chengdu (成都) to DaJianlu (打箭炉), the route from Chengdu through WenChuan County (汶川县) via the resplendent Banlan Balang Mountain Pass (斑斓巴朗山垭口), and the ancient Lingguan Post Road (灵关古驿路) as recorded in Yuanhe Gazetteer of Prefectures and Counties (元和郡县图志). These roads are presented through detailed data and visualization, offering readers a factual basis to evaluate the plausibility of Tibetan incursions into the Qiong and Ya regions.

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