Tang Three Departments and Six Ministries System

Timeline

1. 581–626Daxing City (Chang'an) · ChinaEmperor Wen of Sui integrated central power divisions since Han-Wei, establishing Zhongshu, Menxia, Shangshu and six departments; the Tang inherited the Sui system, renamed Minbu as Hubu to avoid naming taboo, and established the Three Departments and Six Ministries as the standing central framework in Chang'an.
2. 626–649Zhenguan Council Hall, Taiji Palace, Chang'an · ChinaTaizong established the Zhenguan Council Hall, expanding the chancellor deliberation group through the Shangshu Puye and additional titles like Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi, emphasizing the balance of Zhongshu drafting, Menxia review, and Shangshu execution, bringing the system to maturity.
3. 649–700Twin capitals of Chang'an and Luoyang · ChinaUnder Gaozong and Wu Zetian the Three Departments and Six Ministries remained the administrative backbone; functional adjustments occurred with the shift of the eastern capital to Luoyang and the trend toward special commissioners, but the six ministries' basic jurisdiction over household registration, rituals, judicial matters, and engineering remained unchanged.