Tang Control of the Hexi Corridor

Timeline

1. 630–634Liangzhou · GansuAfter the fall of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, the Hexi tribes formerly under Turkic allegiance submitted to the Tang. Taizong established commanderies and counties in Hexi, with Liangzhou as the military-administrative center, beginning systematic development of the corridor.
2. 640–670Hexi Corridor · GansuThe Tang successively established Ganzhou, Suzhou, Shazhou, and other commanderies, promoting military-agricultural colonies and frontier migration. Ganzhou, Suzhou, and Shazhou (Dunhuang) became key corridor nodes, and eastern Silk Road transport and trade were integrated into the Tang administrative system.
3. 670–700Shazhou (Dunhuang) · GansuThe Hexi Corridor became the Tang's base of provisions and manpower for western campaigns into the Western Regions. Dunhuang and other places had dense garrisons; the corridor's western end connected with the Anxi Protectorate's territory, forming a dual hub for Tang defense and expansion in the northwest.