Ming Dynasty Post Relay System

Timeline

1. 1371–1374Yingtian Prefecture · JiangnanAfter founding the dynasty and establishing the capital at Nanjing, the Hongwu Emperor reorganized the post relay system nationwide, regulating station spacing, horse numbers, and document delivery deadlines. Each prefecture and county set up relay offices to supply laborers and vehicles, while urgent relay stations used courier soldiers who relayed intelligence on foot or horseback, forming a layered relay system.
2. 1374–1377Zhending Prefecture–Beijing Post Road · North ChinaNorthern frontier defense and preparations for the capital's relocation made the post road from Zhending to Dadu (Beijing) heavily trafficked; stations were supplied with post horses and fodder for officials traveling north on inspection and for military reports. Post riders traveled with official passes, and those who extorted illegally were severely punished, making the post system a lifeline of early Ming northern military and political communication.
3. 1377–1380Huai'an Prefecture · JiangbeiAt canal hubs such as Huai'an, water and land post stations converged, allowing officials to transfer to boats and travel north along the grain transport waterways. Post stations lay adjacent to guard garrison supply posts, facilitating the transfer of military grain and weapons. By the late 1370s the post network covered the main trunk lines, laying the foundation for the nationwide post system after the capital was moved to Beijing.