Manshu/Chapter 1

Translator's note

Turn of the 20th century false color postcard showing Hong-Hin, the then Sino-Tonkin border, on the route traversed within this fragment of the text.

Turn of the 20th century postcard showing sampans on the Red River.

Turn of the 20th century postcard showing the landscape of parts of the Red River, presumably those closer to modern-day Hanoi, possibly around Fēngzhōu/Phong Châu (峯州 or 峰州; modern Việt Trì) and Dēngzhōu (登州).

In general for many portions I am confident of a reasonable translation. However, there are also more than a few areas where I am certain there are errors: to what degree, however, I am less sure. In general you should be able to interpret the confidence of translation by the depth of notes and/or mapping around the passage(s) in question. The final portion is particularly murky. The sections are of my own construction.

Differences with previous Gordon H. Luce Translation

I am currently (December 2015) reviewing this portion of the translation against Gordon H. Luce's Previous English Translation. This should allow the detection of errors and/or points of disagreement for further investigation and comment. The following list excludes systemic and stylistic differences and focuses on objective issues.

• Correct title

Luce titles the chapter Road-stages within the Frontiers of Yunnan, whereas we use Distances within Yunnan and at its Borders.

• Specific errors
  • In the note regarding the demarcation of borders, Luce's translation appears to mistranslate the reign year as 43, whereas we calculate 44—45. The recalculated year is placed by us within the body of the translation, whereas Luce omits it entirely.
  • After identifying the correct pronunciation of Xiefai based on the transliterator's note, Luce's translation continues to identify the place name using a modern Mandarin pronunciation (Jumie).
  • Luce's translation improperly assumes intermediate place names and place name suffixes while describing the route from Annam to Guyong, specifically creating the nonexistant place Hsia-pu and the nonexistant suffix -pu to Guyong. This is because Luce failed to understand that there was a section of rapids in this part of the river forcing dismount from boats, and the -pu he could not comprehend was emphasizing walking to compensate rather than travel by boat.
  • Luce drops the "via Denglu" place name entirely as the route proceeds from Guyong.
  • Luce wrongfully asserts Jiangchuan as 'District headquarters', with no evidence whatsoever.
  • Luce wrongfully reads the last character of the place name Bái​shì​ (白士) — ie. 士 shì​ — as the visually similar and relatively common yet distinct character 土 (tǔ). He also erroneously provides this mistaken version in handwritten Chinese.
  • Luce reads the ancient Sichuan prefecture toponym 巂 as sui instead of xī, which according to my dictionary should be the correct reading.
  • Luce misreads the description of inspectors on the Sichuan portion of the Chengdu to Yunnan route as "official civil and military".
  • Luce runs together the interpretation of subsequent statements regarding areas "beyond" (meaning under non-Chinese control — ie. west of) Yaozhou (modern Yaoan, north-west of Chuxiong) and the roads to the modern Guizhou and Guangxi regions.
  • While describing the upper Yangtse in the route toward modern Dali from modern Sichuan, Luce implies that his Lu-shui is another reference to the Lu-chiang (瀘江) river rather than a place name, which seems more likely.
  • In Luce's translation, a rope-bridge is ascribed to the Ch'ing-ch'u-p'u—T'sang-p'ang portion of the route. However, in the digital version of our Palace Museum Library edition source text, a firmly placed full stop attributes this bridge instead to the Jiā​pí​guǎn​ (伽毗館)—Qīngqúpù (清渠鋪) portion. Without additional sources, we err in favour of our edition but note this point of contention for future readers.
  • Luce translates a phrase referring to a route stage in steep mountains as "dangerous and steep" where there is apparently no evidence for the "danger" concept in the text.
  • Discussing Lòngdòng city (弄棟城), Luce ascribes an historical affiliation with both Yáozhōu (姚州) and Xīchuān (西川), whereas we consider this an unlikely reading and assert the former as current at the time of writing, and the latter as a previous political affiliation.
  • Luce ascribes a third character to the historical military commander-in-chief of Yaozhou, Zhāng​ Qián​ (張乾), calling him Chang Ch'ien-t'o. We side with our source edition's interpretation and consider this character separately.

Distances within Yunnan and at its Borders (云南界内途程; yúnnán jiè nèi túchéng)

Jiāozhǐ (交阯城) to Yángxiefai (陽苴咩城)

Photo toward the Tonghai plain (and the 'ocean'-like lakes) from a temple on a mountain, taken 2009 by Christopher, Tania and Isabelle Luna.

Original pp. 7—11	Translation	Luce (1961) — pp. 4,5+13,14
安寧城，後漢元鼎二年伏波將軍馬援立銅柱定疆界之所。	At Ān​níng​ city (安寧城), in 44—45, the General Mǎ​yuán​ (馬援), titled Breaker of the Waves, completed the demarcation of the borders with bronze-alloy pillars.	An-ning city was the place where, in the 2nd year of the Yuan-ting period of the Later Han Dynasty, the Fu-po-chiang-chun (General Subduer of the Waves) Ma Yuan set up bronze pillars to fix the frontier.
(案：馬援定交阯，為後漢光武帝建武十九年事。元鼎乃西漢武帝紀年，後漢並無此號，蓋樊綽失於考據之誤)	(Former transliterators' note: The demarcation of the borders by General Mǎ​yuán​ on behalf of the Later (ie. Eastern) Han Dynasty Emperor Guāng​wǔ​dì​ (光武帝) occurred in the 19th year of that emperor's initial Jiànwǔ (建武) reign [ie. 44—45]. The year name Yuándǐng (元鼎) refers only to a reign of the Former (ie. Western) Han Dynasty Emperor Hàn​ Wǔ​dì​ (汉武帝) (ie. 116—111BC). There is no such year under the Later (ie. Eastern) Han Dynasty. This appears to be an error in literary reference of the original author.)	(Comment: We hold that Ma Yuan's fixing of Chiao-chih was an event which occurred in the 19th year of the Chien-wu period of Kuang-wu-ti of the Later Han. (43 A.D.); whereas Yuan-ting was a year-name in the annals of Wu-ti of the Western Han. There is no such year-name in the Later Han Dynasty. It must be a mistake due to Fan Ch'o's negligence in checking his evidence.)
去交阯城池四十八日程。	It takes forty eight days to reach Ān​níng​ (安寧) from the city and lakes of Jiāozhǐ (交阯城).	(An-ning) is 48 day-stages distant from the moated city of Chiao-chih.
漢時城壁尚存，碑銘並在。	Both the wall of the Han period city, and inscribed stelae are still there.	The city-walls and fortifications of the Han period are still extant, and there are also stone inscriptions.
苴咩(上音斜，下符差切)城，從安南府城至蠻王見坐苴咩城水陸五十二日程，只計日，無裏數。	It takes 58 days of travel by boat and land from Annam to the barbarian king's city of Xiefai (苴咩城; lit. '(Place with) Hemp (and the) Bleating (of sheep or goats)'; ie. Dali) (Note: The first character 苴 is pronounced xie (斜), the second 咩 is pronounced as f (from 符's fu) + a or ai (from 差's cha or chai​) — ie. fa​ or fai​) - ie. Nanzhao. On such a journey, one may count but the days, not the miles.	From the prefectural capital of Annam, to reach Chu-mieh city (The first syllable is pronounced hsieh. The second is fu+ ch'a (or ch'ai; i.e. fa or fai).), the seat of the Man king, by water and land route, is 52 day-stages. We can only reckon the days, without giving the number of li. (i.e. the mileage).
從安南上水至峰州兩日，至登州兩日，至忠誠州三日，至多利州兩日，至奇富州兩日，至甘棠州兩日，至下步三日，至黎武賁柵四日，至賈男步五日。	From Annam one travels upriver to Fēngzhōu/Phong Châu (峯州 or 峰州; modern Việt Trì) for two days, onward to Dēngzhōu​ (登州) for two days, onward to Zhōngchéngzhōu (忠誠州) after three days, onward to Duō​lì​zhōu​ (多利州) after two days, onward to Qífùzhōu (奇富州) after two days, onward to Gāntángzhōu (甘棠州) after two days, continuing for a further three days by walking, onward to Líwǔbìzhà (黎武賁柵; Hekou?) after four days, and finally onward to Gǔyǒng (賈勇; lit. 'Brave Merchant') by walking for five days.	From Annam, going upstream, to reach Feng-chou is 2 days. To reach Teng-chou is 2 days. To reach Chung-ch'eng-chou is 3 days. To reach To-li-chou is 2 days. To reach Ch'i-fu-chou is 2 days. To reach Kan-t'ang-chou is 2 days. To reach Hsia-pu is 3 days. To reach Li-wu-fen stockade is 4 days. To reach Ku-yung-pu is 5 days.
已上二十五日程，並是水路。	The above takes twenty five days, and follows the watercourse.	The above 25 day-stages are all by water-route.
大中初，悉屬安南管系，其刺史並委首領勾當。	In 846 (at the beginning of the Dazhong period), the area became a dependency of Annam, and began to be governed, but the Annam provincial governor had illicit dealings with the local chiefs.	At the beginning of the Ta-chung period (847-859)(these parts) were all dependent on and attached to the administration of Annam. But the Tz'u-shih (of Annam) might also depute the native chiefs to take a hand in the management.
大中八年，經略使苛暴，川洞離心，疆內首領旋被蠻賊誘引，數處陷在賊中。	In the eighth year of the Dazhong era (ie. 853), the Emperor's Official was cruel, such that the [population of the] river-valleys and caves within the frontier became unsettled and a few of them fell to the deceitful enticements of the treacherous barbarians.	In the 8th year of Ta-chung (854 A.D.) the Ching-lueh-shih (Imperial General) was cruel and oppressive. The native areas (lit. valleys and ravines) were divided in heart. The native chiefs within the frontiers (of China) were subsequently seduced by the Man rebels; and this caused a number of places to fall in to rebel hands.
從賈勇步登陸至矣符管一日。	Walking from Gǔyǒng (賈勇) via Dēnglù (登陸) to Yǐfúguǎn (矣符管; lit. 'Yifu Station') takes a day.	From Ku-yung-pu, going up by land, to reach I-fu-kuan is 1 day.
從矣符管至曲烏館一日，至思下館一日，至沙雙館一日，至南場館一日，至曲江館一日，至通海城一日，至江川縣一日，至進寧館一日，至鄯闡柘東城一日(案：「柘東，」《舊唐書》及《通鑒》俱作「拓東胡」，三省雲，言開拓東境也，《新唐書》作「柘」，從木，與此同)。	From Yǐfúguǎn to Qūwūguǎn (曲烏館; lit. 'Hunched Crow House') takes one day, Sīxiàguǎn (思下館) another, Shāzhīguǎn (沙[隹+又]館; lit. 'Station at the sandy place for bird or small animal catching') another, Nánchǎngguǎn (南場館) another, Qūjiāngguǎn (曲江館; lit. 'Meandering River'; ie. modern Qujiang) another, Tōnghǎichéng (通海城; lit. 'City of the Connection to the Oceans', ie. modern Tonghai) another, Jiāngchuānxiàn (江川縣; lit. 'River-plain'; ie. Jiangchuan) another, Jìnníngguǎn (進寧館; ie. modern Jinning County) another, Shànchǎn / Tuòdōng Chéng (鄯闡拓東城; lit. 'The city of Shanchan / Tuodong', ie. modern Kunming) another. (Former transliterator's note: The first character of 「柘東」 occurs as 「拓」 with the 「扌」 (hand) radical at left both within the History of the Early Tang Dynasty (舊唐書) and the later Song Dynasty text Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance (通鑒; full text on Chinese wikisource) which further states that this means "[place of] eastward development".). The History of the Later Tang Dynasty, by contrast, records the character 「柘」 with the 「木」 (tree) radical at left [which is likely to be in error] as here.)	From I-fu-kuan, to reach Ch'u-wu Inn is 1 day. To reach Ssu-hsia Inn is 1 day. To reach Nan-ch'ang Inn is 1 day. To reach Ch'u-chiang (Meandering river) Inn is 1 day. To reach Chin-ning Inn is 1 day. To reach Shan-shan Che-tung city is 1 day. (Comment: We hold that Che-tung, both in the Old T'ang history and in the T'ung chien, is written Chih-tung. Hu San-sheng says it means to open and take the eastern frontier. The New T'ang history writes che with the tree radical, as here.)
從柘東節度城至寧寔館一日，安寧館本是漢寧郡城也。	From the Tuòdōng City (拓東) military commandery to Níngshíguǎn (寧寔館) takes a day. Ānníngguǎn (安寧館) was known as Níngjùn City (寧郡城; lit. 'Peaceful Capital City') during the Han Dynasty.	From the Chieh-tu city of Che-tung, to reach Ning-shih Inn is 1 day. An-ning Inn originally was the Ning-chun city of the Han dynasty.
從安寧城至龍和館一日，至沙雌館一日，至曲館一日，至沙卻館一日，至求贈館一日，至雲南驛一日，至波大驛一日，至白嚴驛一日，至龍尾城一日。	From Ānníngchéng (安寧城; lit. 'Peaceful City') to Lónghéguǎn (龍和館; lit. 'Station of Harmonious Dragons') is a day, Shācíguǎn (沙雌館) another, Qūguǎn (曲館) another, Shāquèguǎn (沙卻館) another, Qiúzèngguǎn (求贈館) another, Yúnnányì (雲南驛) another, Bōdàyì (波大驛) another, Báiyányì (白嚴驛) another, Lóngwěichéng (龍尾城; lit. 'Dragon's tail city', ie. modern Xiaguan near Dali) another.	From An-ning city, to reach Lung-ho Inn is 1 day. To reach Sha-tz'u Inn is 1 day. To reach Ch'u Inn is 1 day. To reach Sha-ch'i Inn is 1 day. To reach Ch'iu-tseng Inn is 1 day. To reach Yunnan post-station is 1 day. To reach Po-ta post-station is 1 day. To reach Po-yen post-station is 1 day. To reach Lung-wei (Dragon's Tail) city is 1 day.
李謐伐蠻於龍尾城，誤陷軍二十萬眾，今為萬人冢。	Lǐ Mì (李謐) attacked the barbarians at Lóngwěi (龍尾城), wasting a great army of underlings, who are now but 10,000 graves.	Li Mi attacked the Man at the city of Lung-wei. By blundering he lost altogether 200,000 men of his army. It is now called "The Grave of a Myriad Men".
至陽(「陽」，《新唐書》作「羊」)苴咩城一日(蠻王從大和城移在苴咩城。案「蠻王至咩城」十一字，原本誤入正文，今改正)	It takes one day to Yángxiefai (陽苴咩城) city. (Former transliterator's note: The History of the Later Tang (新唐書) uses the character 羊 in place of 陽.) (Former transliterator's note: Note that 11 characters 「蠻王從大和城移在苴咩城」 indicating that the Barbarian King had moved from Dà​hé (大和) to Xiefai (苴咩) were mistakenly inserted in to the main text and were not present in the original — these have accordingly been removed [to this comment].)	To reach Yang Chu-mieh city is 1 day. (Comment: We hold that yang is written yang in the New T'ang history.) The Man king has moved his residence from Ta-ho city to Chu-mieh city. (Comment: We hold that the 11 characters, from 'Man king' to 'Mieh city' in the original edition were wrongly inserted in to the main body of the text. Now we have altered and corrected it.)

Chéngdū (成都府) to Yángxiefai (陽苴咩城)

Note that the borderland region between modern Yunnan proper and the Sichuan basin through which this section's route passes is historically inhabited by the Yi. The Yi were both powerful and independent until after the Yuan Dynasty when their princess made a deal with the invading Mongols. They wore impressive armour, examples of which can be seen online here at Sichuan University Museum and here at Harvard, or in person at the Anthropology Museum of Yunnan University on Beimenjie in Kunming.

Chéngdū (成都府) to the Yúnnán (雲南) boundary

Original pp. 11—13	Translation	Luce (1961) — pp. 5,6,7+14
自西川成都府至雲南蠻王府、州、縣、館、驛、江、嶺開塞，並裏數計二千七百二十裏。	From Chéngdū (成都府) city in the Xīchuān (西川) region to the capital of the barbarian prince of Yúnnán (雲南) one crosses cities, prefectures, counties, towns, stations,, rivers, and mountain ranges over a total distance of 2720 li.	From Ch'eng-tu prefecture of Hsi-ch'uan, to reach the prefectural headquarters of the Man king of Yunnan, (including) the chou (divisions), hsien (districts), inns, post-stations, rivers, mountain-ranges, and frontier-passes, the total mileage amounts to 2,720 li.
從府城至雙流縣二江驛四十裏，至蜀州新津縣三江驛四十裏，至延貢驛四十裏，至臨邛驛四十裏，至順城驛五十裏，至雅州百丈驛四十裏，至名山縣順陽驛四十裏，至嚴道縣延化驛四十裏，從延化驛六十裏至管長賁關，從奉義驛至雅州界榮經縣南道驛七十五裏，至漢昌六十裏(案：此句上有脫文)，屬雅州，城名葛店。	From Chengdu to Shuāng​liú​xiàn (雙流縣; lit. Double Flow [River] county-town)) there are two river crossings over a distance of 40 li. To Xīn​jīn​xiàn (新津縣; lit. [County of the] New [water or ferry] Crossing) of Shǔ​zhōu​ (蜀州) there are three river crossings over a distance of 40 li. To Yán​gòng​ (延貢) station it is a further 40 li, to Lín​qióng​ (臨邛) station a further 40 li, to Shùn​chéng​ (順城) a further 50 li, to Bǎi​zhàng​ (百丈) station of Yǎ​zhōu​ (雅州) a further 40 li, Shùn​yáng​ (順陽) station of Míng​shān​xiàn (名山縣) a further 40 li, Yán​huà​ (延化) station of Yándào​xiàn​ (嚴道縣) a further 40 li. From Yán​huà​ station to Guǎn​chángbì​guān​ (管長賁關) it is 60 li. From Fèngyì​​ (奉義) station to Nándào​​ (南道) station of Róng​jīng​ (榮經) county on the Yǎ​zhōu (雅州) border it is a further 75 li, it is a further 60 li to Hàn​chāng​ (漢昌), (Former transliterator's note: There appear to be some characters missing here) which is subordinate to Yǎ​zhōu and whose city is called Gě​diàn​ (葛店).	From the prefectural city (ie. Ch'eng-tu), to reach Erh-chiang post-station of Shuang-liu-hsien (district), is 40 li. To reach San-chiang-i (Three Rivers post-station) of Hsin-ching-hsien (New Ford district) of Shu chou is 40 li. To reach Yen-kung post-station is 40 li. To reach Lin-chiung post-station is 40 li. To reach Shun-ch'eng post-station is 50 li. To reach Pai-chang (One Thousand Feet) post-station of Ya-chou, is 40 li. To reach Shun-yang post-station of Ming-shan district is 40 li. To reach Yen-hua post-station of Yen-tao district is 40 li. From Yen-hua post-station (one goes) 60 li and reaches Kuan-ch'ang-fen-kuan (frontier gate). From Feng-i post-station, to reach Nan-tao post-station of Jung-ching district on the boundard of Ya-chou, is 75 li. To reach Han-ch'ang is 60 li. (... dependent on Ya-chou) (Comment: We hold that at the beginning of this sentence there is an omission.) (The name of the town is Ko-tien.)
至皮店三十裏，至黎州潘倉驛五十裏，至黎武城六十裏，至白士驛三十五裏(過漢源縣十裏)，至通望縣本筤驛四十裏(去大渡十裏)，至望星驛四十五裏，至清溪關五十裏，至大定城六十裏，至達士驛五十裏(黎、巂二州分界)，至新安城三十裏，至菁口驛六十裏，至榮水驛八十裏，至初裏驛三十五裏，至臺登城平樂驛四十裏(古縣，今廢)，至蘇祁驛四十裏(古縣)，至巂州三阜城四十裏(州城在三阜山上)，至沙也城八十裏(故巂州，大和年移在臺登)，至儉浪驛八十裏，至俄淮嶺七十裏，下此嶺入雲南界。	To Pí​diàn​ (皮店) it is a further 30 li, to Pāncāng​​ (潘倉) station of Lízhōu​ (黎州) a further 50 li, to Lí​wǔ (黎武) city a further 60 li, to Bái​shì​ (白士) station a further 35 li (10 li across Hàn​yuán​ (漢源) county), and 40 li to Běn​láng​ (本筤) station of Wàngxiàn​ (望縣) county (10 li to Dàdù​ (大渡). Continuing to Wàng​xīng​ (望星) station is a further 45 li, Qīng​xīguān​​ (清溪關) a further 50 li, Dà​dìng​ city (大定城) a further 60 li, to Dá​shì​ (達士) station a further 50 li (on the border of Lí​ (黎) and Xī (巂) prefectures), to Xīn​'ān​ city (新安城) a further 30 li, to Jīng​kǒu​ (菁口) station a further 60 li, to Róngshuǐ​ (榮水) station a further 80 li, to Chū​lǐ (初裏) station another 35 li, to Píng​lè​ (平樂) station in Tái​dēng​ city (臺登城) another 40 li (an ancient county, since abandoned), to Sū​qí​ (蘇祁) station a further 40 li (an ancient county), to Sān​fù​ city (三阜城) of Xī​zhōu​ (巂州) prefecture another 40 li (the prefectural capital city's walls lie atop Sān​fù​shān​ (三阜山; lit. 'Three Mounds Mountain'), to Shā​yě​ city (沙也城) another 80 li (then and formerly part of Xī​zhōu​ (巂州) — it was moved to administration beneath Tái​dēng​ (臺登) in the first year of Taihe (ca. 930?)), to Jiǎnlàng​ (儉浪) station a further 80 li, to the É​huái​ mountain range (俄淮嶺) a further 70 li, thence down the mountain range to enter the border of Yún​nán​ (雲南; lit. '(The region lying) south (of the) Yunling Mountains').	To reach P'i-tien is 30 li. To reach P'an-ts'ang post-station of Li-chou is 50 li. To reach Li-wu city is 60 li. To reach Pai-t'u post-station is 35 li. (10 li beyond (the headquarters of) Han-yuan district.) To reach Pen-lang post-station of T'ung-wang district is 40 li. (10 li from Ta-tu (Big Ferry).) To reach Wang-hsing post-station is 45 li. To reach Ch'ing-ch'i-kuan (frontier gate) is 50 li. To reach Ta-ting city (or fort?) is 60 li. To reach Ta-shih post-station is 50 li. (Here is the boundary between Li-chou and Sui-chou.) To reach Hsin-an city is 30 li. To reach Ch'ing-k'ou post-station is 60 li. To reach Jung Shui post-station is 80 li. To reach Ch'u-li post-station is 35 li. To reach P'ing-lo post-station of T'ai-teng city is 40 li. (It is an old hsien (district), now abolished.) To reach Su-ch'i post-station is 40 li. (An old hsien (district).) To reach San-fou city of Sui-chou is 40 li. (The city of the chou (division) is on the San-fou (Three Mounds) mountain.) To reach Sha-yeh city is 80 li. (The former T'ai-ho-nien (?) of Sui-chou was removed to T'ai-teng. (Query emend: "It was formerly (part of) Sui-chou. During the T'ai-ho period (827-835 A.D.), it was moved to T'ai-teng"?)) To reach Chien-lang post-station is 80 li. To reach O-huai mountain-range is 70 li. Descending from the range, one enters the frontiers of Yunnan.
已上三十二驛，計一千八百八十裏(案：上文惟三十驛，計一千四百九十五裏，與此數不符)。	These 32 stations total 1880 li (Former transliterator's note: The text only states 30 stations, totalling 1495 li, thus the total is inconsistent.)	(Above, are 32 post-stations, (the distance) totalling 1880 li.) (Comment: We hold that the above text only mentions 30 post-stations, totalling 1495 li. It does not tally with this number.)
並屬西川管，差官人將軍專知驛務。	All are governed by the Xīchuān (西川) region, which sends out special inspectors to monitor the transport relay stations' affairs.	All are dependent on the Hsi-ch'uan administration, which sends out official civil and military, who are specially acquainted with the affairs of the post-stations.

The Yúnnán (雲南) boundary to Yángxiefai (陽苴咩城)

Original pp. 13—14	Translation	Luce (1961) — pp. 7,8+14
雲南蠻界：從巂州俄淮嶺七十裏至菁口驛，三十裏至芘驛，六十裏至會川鎮，差蠻三人充鎮。	The Yunnan barbarian boundary: From the É​huái​ mountain range (俄淮嶺) of Xī​zhōu​ (巂州; ie. modern Xichang / 西昌) prefecture it is 70 li to Jīng​kǒu​ (菁口; ie. modern Diānshāguān / 甸沙关) station, 30 li to Pí station (芘驛; ie. modern Bāsōng / 巴松), 60 li to Huì​chuān​ village (會川鎮; ie. modern Huìlǐ / 会理) where three barbarians are commissioned to keep the peace.	Frontiers of the Man of Yunnan. From the O-huai mountain-range of Sui-chou, after 70 li one reaches Ching-k'ou post-station. After 30 li one reaches Pi (or P'i) post-station. After 60 li one reaches Hui-ch'uan-chen (garrison-town), where they send three Man men to act as guards.
五十五裏至目集驛，七十裏至會川，有蠻充刺史，稱會川都督。	For 55 li to Mù​jí​ (目集; ie. modern Fèngshānyíng / 凤山营) station, and 70 li to Huì​chuān​ (會川), the governor is a barbarian, who is styled the Commander-in-chief of Huì​chuān​.	After 55 li one reaches Mu-chi Inn. After 70 li one reaches Hui-ch'uan, where is a Man acting as Tz'u-shih, who calls himself the Tu-tu of Hui-ch'uan.
從目集驛至河子鎮七十裏。	From Mù​jí​ station to Hé​zi​ town (河子鎮; ie. modern Jiāngyì / 姜驿) is 70 li.	From Mu-chi post-station, to reach Ho-tzu-chen (garrison-town) is 70 li.
瀘江，乘皮船渡瀘水，從河子鎮至末柵館五十裏，至伽毗館七十裏，至清渠鋪八十裏，渡繩橋(《雲南行記》雲「渠桑驛」)。	On the Lú​jiāng​ river (瀘江; ie. the modern Jīn​shā​jiāng​ (金沙江) or upper Yangtze), skin boats are used to cross to Lú​shuǐ​ (瀘水). From Hé​zi​ to Mòzhà​​guǎn​ (末柵館) pass is 50 li, onward to Jiā​pí​guǎn​ (伽毗館) pass is 70 li, onward to Qīngqúpù (清渠鋪) is 80 li, crossing a rope bridge.	(As for the) Lu-chiang, one rides a leather boat to cross the Lu-shui. From Ho-tzu garrison-town, to reach Mo-cha (Mo stockade) Inn is 50 li. To reach Ch'ieh-p'i Inn is 70 li. To reach Ch'ing-ch'u-p'u (bed) is 80 li. Crossing the rope-bridge...(The Yun-nan hsing chi (Diary of a journey to Yunnan) mentions Ch'u-sang post-station.)
至藏傍館七十四裏，至陽裒館六十裏，過大嶺，險峻極。	Onward to Cángbàngguǎn (藏傍館) is a further 74 li, onward to Yángpóuguǎn (陽裒館) is a further 60 li across the great mountain range which is extremely steep and hard-going.	... to reach T'sang-p'ang Inn is 74 li. To reach Yang-pao Inn is 60 li. One crosses a big mountain-ridge, which is very dangerous and steep.
從陽裒至弄棟城七十裏，本是姚州，舊屬西川。	From Yángpóu (陽裒) to Lòngdòng city (弄棟城) is 70 li, now of Yáozhōu province (姚州), though formerly belonging to Xīchuān (西川).	From Yang-pao, to reach Lung-tung city is 70 li. It was originally Yao-chou, and formerly depended on Hsi-ch'uan.
天寶九載，為姚州都督張乾(案：「乾」《唐書》作「虔」)陀附蠻所陷。	In the ninth year of the Tianbao (天寶) reign (ie. ~750), the military commander-in-chief of Yáozhōu (姚州) Zhāng​ Qián​ (張乾) (Former transliterator's note: In the Tangshu, 乾 is written as 虔.) was defeated here by the barbarians.	In the 9th year of the T'ien-pao period (750 A.D.), it was lost when the Tu-tu of Yao-chou, Chang Ch'ien-t'o fell under the Man. (Comment: We hold that for Ch'ien the T'ang history writes Ch'ien)
從弄棟城至外彌蕩八十裏，從外彌蕩至求贈館(案：此句下有脫文)。	From Lòngdòng city (弄棟城) to Wàimídàng (外彌蕩; ie. modern Mí​xī​zhèn​ (瀰溪鎮)?) is 80 li, after which one arrives at Qiúzèng station (求贈館; ie. modern Pǔ​péng​jiē​ (普淜街)?). (Former transliterator's note: There are characters missing after this position.)	(From Lung-tung city, to reach Wai-mi-tang is 80 li.) (From Wai-mi-tang, to reach Ch'iu-tseng Inn ... (Comment: We hold that below this clause there are some characters missing))
至雲南城七十裏，至波大驛四十裏，至渠藍趙館四十裏，至龍尾城三十裏。	To the city of Yunnan (雲南城; ie. modern Yunnanyi) it is 70 li, thence 40 li to Bōdàyì (波大驛), thence 40 li to Qúlánzhào station (渠藍趙館), thence 30 li to Lóngwěi city (龍尾城; lit. 'Dragon's tail city', ie. modern Xiaguan).	To reach Yunnan city is 70 li. To reach Po-ta post-station is 40 li. To reach Ch'u-lan-chao Inn is 40 li. To reach Lung-wei (Dragon's Tail) city is 30 li.
從龍尾城至陽苴咩城五十裏，以上一十九驛，計一千五十四裏(案：十九驛，共計一千六十九裏，與此數亦不符)。	From Lóngwěi city (龍尾城) to Yángxiefai city (陽苴咩城; ie. modern Dali) is 50 li, bringing the total for the previous 19 stages to 1054 li. (Former transliterator's note: In fact the 19 stages add to 1069 li, an inconsistent total)	(From Lung-wei city, to reach Yang Chu-mieh city is 50 li.) (The above 19 post-stations total (a mileage of) 1054 li.) (Comment: We hold that there are 19 post-stations, totalling 1069 li. This, too, does not tally with the number given.)

Beyond Yáozhōu (姚州)

Original p. 14	Translation	Luce (1961) — pp. 8+14
南蠻因姚州之後，屬蠻管系。	The Southern Barbarians (南蠻; ie. Nanzhao's peoples) beyond Yáozhōu (姚州; lit. 'the beautiful region'; ie. the modern Yao'an County area northwest of Chuxiong, roughly equidistant between the Dali/Erhai Lake and Kunming/Dianchi Lake plateaux), are subordinate to the barbarians (ie. subordinate to Nanzhao).	Because the Southern Man, after Yao-chou, became dependent on and attached to the Man administration...

Roads from Yōngzhōu (邕州) and Qiánzhōu (黔州)

Original p. 14	Translation	Luce (1961) — pp. 8+14
從邕州路至蠻苴咩城，從黔州路至蠻苴咩城，兩地途程，臣未諳。	The roads from both Yōngzhōu (邕州; ie. the modern Guangxi region) and Qiánzhōu (黔州; ie. the modern Guizhou region) to Yángxiefai city (陽苴咩城; ie. modern Dali) are both unclear.	... your humble servant could not be expert or familiar with the stages of the two land-routes: (i) the Yung-chou road to Chü-mieh city of the Man, and (ii) the Ch'ien-chou road to Chü-mieh city of the Man.
委伏乞下堂帖令分析。	Perhaps an order should be issued to investigate these.	I humbly beg Your Majesty to send down an official notification ordering a detailed survey.

Politics

Note that this entire portion is taken to have been a latter explanatory diversion, and not part of the main body of text.

Chapter 1: Distances within Yunnan and at its Borders (云南界内途程; yúnnán jiè nèi túchéng) — Politics

Original p. 15	Translation	Luce (1961) — pp. 8,9+14
緣南蠻奸猾，攻劫在心，田桑之余，便習鬥敵。	Due to the Southern Barbarians' (南蠻; ie. Nanzhao) treacherous nature, with attack and plunder ever-present in their minds, whenever mulberries in the fields are plentiful they will seize the opportunity to drill against their enemies.	Because the Southern Man are cunning and treacherous, and (the idea of) attacking and plundering is ever present in their minds, whenever they have some leisure from (cultivating their) fields and mulberry trees, they practise fighting the enemy.
若不四面征戰，兇惡難悛。	If not engaged from all sides, the ferocious evil will be difficult to resolve.	If, then, we do not invade and attack them from all four sides, they are violent and bad persons, and difficult to reform.
所以錄其城鎮川原，麈黷宸扆。	Thus: record their cities, towns, rivers and their sources; that stags will defile their palace screens.	That is why I record their cities and garrison-towns, their river-valleys and plains--mere dust defiling the audience-screen of the Imperial apartments.
或冀破其蟻聚之眾，永清羌虜之夷。	Thus we may destroy the ant masses (ie. Nanzhao's people), clean forever the region and capture the barbarians.	Perhaps one might hope to wipe out their host of ant-swarms, and purge for ever (these) Ch'iang barbarian rebels.
臣披瀝懇忱，無任隕越之至(案：此條乃附載陳說之詞，如後世著書之案語，原本誤連正文，遂令文義格礙，今低一格以別之，後仿此)。	Sincerely, your humble servant, in the hopes of avoiding slaughter. (Former transliterator's note: This section is an addition containing commentary, similar to 'notes' in later written formats. Our original mistakenly conjoined it, causing issues of comprehension. Thus in the present edition we drop the text by one line, and will hereupon continue with this typographic convention.)	Your humble servant speaks without reserve and implores Your Majesty with all sincerity that he may not be held responsible even though he lapse into the most extreme error. (Comment: We hold that this paragraph is by way of a supplement, containing an explanatory statement, like the formal statements of books composed in latter generations. In the original copy it was wrongly included in the main body of the text, and consequently interfered with the sense of the text. Now we have lowered it one line in order to distinguish it. In future we shall follow this method.)

The Stone Gate (石門) and the Kunming-Xichuan Route (昆川至雲南)

1913 lithographic print by Bong and Company, Paris, of a photograph by Gervais-Courtellemont, titled in French but equating to 'Eastern Yunnan: Route from Kunming to Zhaotong'.

(note: here we shall have a new map! currently under development...)

Original pp. 15—21	Translation	Luce (1961) — pp. 9-11+14
從石門外出魯望、昆川至雲南，謂之北路。	Outside (ie. south) of the Shímén (石門; lit. (the) stone gate) is Lǔwàng (魯望; ie. Qujing?) and the Kunming-Xichuan Route to Yunnan (probably Yún​nányì​​; 云南驿), also known as the Northern Road (北路).	From beyond Shih-men (Stone Gate), to go out via Lu-wang and K'un-ch'uan and reach Yunnan, is called the North Road.
黎州、清溪關出邛部，過會通，至雲南，謂之南路。	Leaving the Qīngxīguān (清溪關; lit. 'Clear Stream Pass') of Lízhōu (黎州; lit. 'Black Region'), one reaches Qióngbù (邛部), Huitong (會通), then Yúnnányì (云南驿). This route is known as the Southern Road (南路).	From the Ch'ing-ch'i-kuan (frontier-gate) of Li-chou to go out via Chiang-pu, pass through Hui-t'ung and reach Yunnan, is called the South Road.
從戎州南十日程至石門，上有隋初刊記處，雲：「開皇五年十月二十五日，兼法曹黃榮領始、益二州石匠，鑿石四孔，各深一丈，造偏梁橋閣，通越析州、津州。」蓋史萬歲南征出於此也。	From Róngzhōu (戎州; lit. "The Military City"; ie. modern Yibin, Sichuan) southward it is 10 days' travel to Shímén (石門; lit. the Stone Gate). An inscription above from the early Sui dynasty reads: "On the 5th year, 10th month, 25th day of the of the Kaihuang emperor (ie. ~587CE), The official titled Jiānfǎ (兼法; perhaps Grand Juror?), Cáohuángróng (曹黃榮), led the stonemasons of the two provinces of Shǐ​zhōu​ (始州) and Yì​zhōu (益州) to bore four very deep holes of one zhàng (around 3 to 3.7 meters) each in depth, and constructed a slanting bridge with a pavilion to reach Yuèxīzhōu (越析州; lit. 'Province of the Divided Peoples') and Jīnzhōu (津州; lit. 'Province of the River-Crossing')." Shǐ Wànsuì (史萬歲) passed through here.	To the south of Jung-chou, after 10 day-stages one reaches Shih-men (Stone Gate). Above it there is an inscription of the beginning of the Sui dynasty (fl. 589-618A.D.), which says: "The 25th day of the 10th month of the 5th year of K'ai-huang (Nov. 22nd., 585 A.D.). Huang Jung, prefect in charge of Shih-chou and I-chou, with the combined office of Fa-ts'ao (? Member of the Board of Law)." Stone-masons bored four holes in the stone, each 10 ft. in depth, and constructed the leaning bridge with covered way connecting Yueh-hsi-chou and Ching-chou. It is the place from which Shih Wan-sui started on his expedition to the south.
越析州今西河河東一日程，越析州諮長故地也。	Yuèxīzhōu (越析州) is one day's easterly travel beyond present-day Xī​hé​ River (西河; lit. 'Western River'), the former lands of the Zī​zhǎng​ (諮長; lit. 'Chief of Consultation', perhaps 'Chief of Affairs').	(As for) Yueh-hsi-chou, after crossing (?) the Hsi-ho (West River), (it is) 1 day-stage east of the Ho. Yueh-hsi-chou is the former land of the Tzu-chang (Senior Counsellor?).
津州未詳其處。	The location of Jīnzhōu (津州) is unknown.	As for Ching-chou I have no knowledge of its topography.
天寶中，鮮於仲通南溪下兵，亦是此路，後遂閉絕。	During the Tiānbǎo era (ie. 742–756; ie. circa 750), the army of Xiān​yū​zhòng​ (鮮於仲) came down through Nán​xī​ (南溪) and used this road, but they were utterly destroyed.	During the T'ien-pao period (742-755 A.D.) Hsien-yu Chung-t'ung, from Nan-ch'i, sent down troops; this was the route. Afterwards it got blocked and (communications) interrupted for nearly 50 years.
僅五十年來，貞元十年，南詔立功歸化，朝廷發使冊命。	Only 50 years ago in the 10th year of Zhengyuan era (ie. 795CE), Nanzhao submitted its sovereignty to China and their court dispatched envoys to announce the proclamation.	In the 10th year of Cheng-yuan (794 A.D.) Nan-chao acted meritoriously and returned to its allegiance (to China). The Court sent out envoys and orders of appointment.
而邛部舊路方有兆吐蕃請鈔隔關。	Owing to the prosperity of the old Qióngbù (邛部) road, the Tǔbō (吐蕃; ie. post-Tibetan Empire Kham Tibetans) demanded money at the passes.	And the old road of Chiung-pu for the moment was thriving. But the Tibetans appropriated the cash and blocked the frontier-gates.
其年七月，西川節度韋臯乃遣巡官監察禦史馬益閉石門路，量行館。	On the 7th month of that year, Wéigāonǎi (韋臯乃) of the Xichuan government's Jiedu (節度) department dispatched the official Shǐmǎyì (史馬益) to supervise, defend and close the Shímén (石門; lit. (the) stone gate) Road and its Liàngxíng garrison (量行館; lit. measure traffic garrison).	So in the 7th month of that year (Aug. 1 to 29, 794), Wei Kao, the Chieh-tu of Hsi-ch'uan, sent the Hsun-kuan (Inspecting Officer), the Chien-ch'a-yu-shih (Examining Censor) Ma I, to close the Liang-hsing-kuan (Inn) of the Shih-men (Stone Gate) road.
石門東崖石壁，直上萬仞，下臨朱提江流，又下入地中數百尺，惟聞水聲，人不可到。	[luce translation review up to here]The rock cliffs to the east of the Shímén (石門; lit. (the) stone gate) are of extreme height, beneath which the Zhuti River (朱提江; ie. early upper Yangtze or Jinsha river) flows only to enter the earth again through a hundred caverns. Listening to the sound of the water here, one is swept beyond the world of men.	The east cliff of Shih-men is a sheer precipice rising ten thousand fathoms. Below, it borders the Chu-t'i-chiang. The stream moreover flows underground for several hundred feet. You can only hear the sound of the water, but no man can reach it.
西崖亦是石壁，傍崖亦有閣路，橫闊一步，斜亙三十余裏，半壁架空欹危虛險，其安梁石孔，即隋朝所鑿也。	The rock cliffs to the west are also vertical. The road along their precipice sports pavilions and is but one pace wide, and over 30 li in length. Half the cliff stands bare forming a dangerous narrow pass, through which a safe passage was bored during the Sui dynasty.	The west cliff is also a stone precipice. Along the side of the cliff there is a covered road, 1 pace broad. It goes up and down and round for over 30 li. Halfway along the cliff there is a gap in the frame of the road, with a dangerous topple and an awful void. The stone holes on which the bridge rests, were bored under the Sui dynasty.
閣外至夔嶺七日程，直經朱提江，下上躋攀，傴身側足，又有黃蠅、飛蛭、毒蛇、短狐、沙虱之類。	Beyond the pavilion it is 7 days' journey to the Kuílǐng Range (夔嶺; lit. monstrous mountain range), passing the Zhuti River (朱提江; ie. upper Yangtse or Jinsha river) through steep topography, a back-breaking journey featuring yellow flies, flying leeches, venomous snakes, foxes, and all manner of parasites.	Beyond the covered road, one reaches K'uei-ling (range) in 7 day stages. One goes straight across the Chu-t'i-chang at the bottom, and then starts clambering up with a hunched body and feet awry. There are also yellow flies, flying leeches, poisonous snakes, short foxes (?), sand-lice, etc. etc.
石門外第三程至牛頭山，山有諸葛古城，館臨水，名馬安渡。	On the third day one reaches Niútóu Shān (牛頭山; lit. Ox-head Mountain), which features the ancient Zhūgé city (諸葛古城). There is a building near the water at a place known as Mǎāndù (馬安渡; lit. Peaceful Horse Crossing).	At the third stage beyond Shih-men one reaches Niu-t'ou-shan (Cow's Head Mountain). On the mountain there is the old city (or fort) of Chu-ko (Liang) with the inn (kuan) on the brink of the stream. It is called Ma-an (Horse-saddle) Ferry.
上源從阿等路部落，繞蒙夔山，又東折與朱提江合。	The road follows the head of Kuílǐng Range (夔嶺; lit. monstrous mountain range) as it descends, wrapping about the mountain, bending eastward again to follow the Zhuti River (朱提江; ie. upper Yangtse or Jinsha river).	The source comes down from the (habitat of the) tribes of Ah and other roads. It winds around the Meng-k'uei mountains, and breaking eastwards joins the Chu-t'i-chiang.
第五程至生蠻阿部落，第七程至蒙夔嶺，嶺當大漏天，直上二十裏，積陰凝閉，晝夜不分。	On the fifth day one reaches Shēngmán'ē (生蠻阿; lit. (perhaps) Barbarian Birth Mountain), and on the seventh day Méngkuílǐng (蒙夔嶺; lit. Ignorant Monster Mountain) whose ridge is like a great sky-funnel rising 20 li, accumulating yin and freezing it in place such that the night and day are no longer distinct.	At the fifth stage one reaches the wild Man, the Ah tribes. At the seventh stage one reaches the Meng-k'uei mountain-range. The range is completely open to the sky, standing straight up for 20 li. Its accumulated shade congeals solid, so there is no difference between day and night.
從此嶺頭南下八九裏，青松白草，川路漸平。	From the head of this mountain range, one descends through peaceful pine forests and white grasses, and the Chuan Road (川路; lit. the road of the upper rivers; fig. the road to/from Xichuan or Sichuan) gradually becomes flat.	From the top of this range one descends south 8 or 9 li through green pines and white grasses, while the valley-road gradually levels out.
第九程至魯望，即蠻、漢兩界，舊曲靖之地也。	On the ninth day one reaches Lǔwàng (魯望) — former Qujing (曲靖) — which is the border separating two worlds: the Chinese, and the barbarian.	At the ninth stage one reaches Lu-wang, which is the common border between the Man and the Chinese, the land of the old Ch'u (and) Ching.
曲州、靖州廢城及邱墓碑闕皆在。	The abandoned cities of the Qūzhōu (曲州) and Jìngzhōu (靖州) regions are but mounds with lettered gravestones.	The abandoned cities of Ch'u-chou and Ching-chou, and the burial mounds and tombs with their stone tablets and gates(?), are all still extant.
依山有阿竿路部落，過魯望第七程至竹子嶺，嶺東有暴蠻部落，嶺西有盧鹿蠻部落。	In the mountains is the Ēgān Road (阿竿路; lit. Mountain Bamboo Road) along which, seven days beyond Lǔwàng (魯望; ie. roughly Qujing), lies the Zhúzilǐng Range (竹子嶺; lit. Bamboo Range). East of this range are savage barbarians, and west of this range are the Lúlù Barbarians (盧鹿蠻; ie. Yi people).	Resting on the mountains there are the A-kan road tribes. After passing Lu-wang, at the 7th stage, one reaches Chu-tzu-ling (Bamboo mountain-range). To the east there are the tribes of savage Man. To the west of the range there are the tribes of Lu-lu Man.
第六程至生蠻磨彌殿部落，此等部落皆東爨烏蠻也。	On the sixth day one reaches Mómídiàn (磨彌殿) of the wild barbarians, which along with other areas belongs to the Dark Eastern Civilizing Barbarians (東爨烏蠻; dōng cuàn wū mán).	At the 6th stage one reaches the wild Man, the Mo-mi-tien tribes. These various tribes are all Eastern Ts'uan, Wu Man (Black Barbarians).
男則發髻，女則散發，見人無禮節拜跪，三譯四譯，乃與華通。	Their men wear their hair in a topknot, whereas their women leave it loose. It is understood that they have no custom of respect such as to kneel or bow, and when speaking with us make sounds like sānyìsìyì.	The men have dressed hair, the women have their hair loose. When they meet people, they have no rules of etiquette. They (just) bow and kneel. They need three or four interpreters in order to communicate with the Chinese.
大部落則有鬼主，百家二百牛馬(案：此句未詳)，無布帛，男女悉披牛羊皮。	The greater area has but one overlord, controlling one hundred houses and two hundred oxes and horses. (Former transliterator's note: Sheep are not mentioned here.) They have no textiles, and man and woman alike wear the skin of sheep and oxen.	A big tribe will have a "Devil-Lord", (administering) 100 families with 200 cattle or horses. (Comment: We hold that this sentence is not definite.) They have no cotton cloth nor silk. Men and women all wear the skins of cattle or sheep.
第九程至制長館，於是始有門閣廨宇迎候供養之禮，皆漢地。	On the ninth day one reaches Zhìzhǎngguǎn station (制長館) — a place of gates, pavilions, offices, welcome, resupply and proper manners — all people here are Han Chinese.	At the ninth stage one reaches Chih-ch'ang-kuan (Inn). Here for the first time we find gates and pavilions, government buildings and houses. The etiquette of waiting and welcoming, of making presents and entertaining, are all (like) those of China.
凡從魯望行十二程方始到柘東。	In total it is 12 days' journey from Lǔwàng (魯望; ie. Qujing?) to Tuodong (柘東; ie. Kunming).	From Lu-wang, going altogether 12 stages, one then first reaches Che-tung.
黎州南一百三十裏有清溪峽，乾元二年置關。	130 li south of the Lizhou region (黎州; lit. black region) lies Qīngxīxiá gorge (清溪峽; ie. clear stream gorge), which was closed in the second year of the Qianyuan era (ie. ~759).	130 li south of Li-chou there is Ch'ing-ch'i gorge. Here, in the 2nd year of Ch'ien-yuan (759 A.D.) there was set up a frontier-gate (kuan).
關外三十裏即巂州界也。	30 li beyond the pass is the border of Guīzhōu (巂州; ie. not modern Guizhou province, but rather the modern Xichang-Meigu region of southern Sichuan).	30 li beyond the frontier-gate, is the border of Sui-chou.
行三百五十裏至邛部川，故邛部縣之地也。	A further 350 li brings you to Qióngbùchuān (邛部川; lit. Qiongbu upper-river region), formerly known as Qióngbùxiàn (邛部縣; lit. Qiongbu county).	Going 350 li, one reaches Chiung-pu-ch'uan (valley and stream). It is the land of the old Chiung-pu hsien.
下南一百三十裏至臺登，西南八十裏至普安城，劍南西川節度使重兵大將鎮焉。	Southward 130 li lies Táidēng (臺登), and [a further?] southwest 80 li lies Pǔ'ānchéng (普安城), a large and important military garrison under the Jiànnán / Xīchuān (劍南西川) commandery (節度; jiédù).	Descending south 130 li, one reaches T'ai-teng. 80 li to the south-west, one reaches P'u-an city. The Chieh-tu-shih of Hsi-ch'uan of Chien-nan kept a garrison here with double reinforcements and a big general.
臺登直北去保塞城八十裏，吐蕃謂之北谷，天寶以前巂州柳強鎮也。	Directly north from Táidēng (臺登) at a distance of 80 li lies Bǎosāi city (保塞城). The Tǔbō (吐蕃; ie. post-Tibetan Empire Kham Tibet) hold its Northern Gorge (北谷). It was formerly known as Liǔqiáng town (柳強鎮) of Guīzhōu (巂州).	T'ai-teng, due north, is 80 li distant from Pao-sai city. The Tibetans called it Pei-ku, (Northern Ravine). Before the T'ien-pao period (742-755 A.D.) it was Liu-ch'iang-chen (garrison-town) of Sui-chou.
自入吐蕃，更增修崄，因城下有路向曩恭地。	Since repelling the Tǔbō (吐蕃; ie. post-Tibetan Empire Kham Tibet), much work has been done atop the local peaks, as beneath the city lies the road to Nǎnggōng (曩恭).	Since its accession to the Tibetans, they have repaired and added to it and improved its strategic value. So below the city there is a road leading towards the land of Nang-kung.
谷東南一百三十裏至羅山城，天寶以後，吐蕃新築，非國家舊城。	Southeast of the valley some 130 li one arrives at Luóshān city (羅山城), which after imperial rule has protected against the Tǔbō (吐蕃; ie. post-Tibetan Empire Kham Tibet), but was formerly an ancient city with no national affinity.	Going south-east 130 li, one reaches Lo-shan city. After the T'ien-pao period, the Tibetans rebuilt the old city of Fei-kuo-chia (or Fei State).
貞元十年十月，西川節度兵馬與雲南軍並力破保塞，大定，獻俘闕下。	In the 10th month of the 10th year of the Zhengyuan era (ie. ~795CE), the Xīchuān (西川) commandery gave troops to the Yunnan military for defense, and a great battle occurred beneath the Xiànfúquè (獻俘闕; lit. prisoner-taking tower).	In the 10th month of the 10th year of Cheng-yuan (Oct. 29th-Nov. 26th, 794 A.D.), the infantry and cavalry of the Chieh-tu of Hsi-ch'uan, joined forces with the army of Yunnan, and destroyed Pao-sai, greatly pacified (the country), and presented prisoners of war at the Gate of the Court.
十一年正月，西川又拔羅山，置兵固守。	Three months later, Xīchuān (西川) again raided the mountains, permanently establishing troops for defense.	In the 1st month of the 11th year (Jan. 26th-Feb. 23rd,795 A.D.) Hsi-ch'uan went on to capture Lo-shan, and stationed troops there to keep strong guard.
邛南驛路由此遂通。	The Qióngnányì Road (邛南驛路; lit. 'the relay road south from Qióngbù') was thus finally made open.	The postal-service road south of Chiung henceforward could communicate with T'ai-teng city.
臺登城直西有西望川，行一百五十裏入曲羅。	Directly west of Táidēng (臺登) lies Xīwàngchuān (西望川; lit. the upper-river region of Xiwang), from which journeying 150 li one enters Qūluó (曲羅).	Due west there is Hsi-wang-ch'uan (Looking West Stream). Going 150 li, it enters Ch'u-lo (or the meandering Lu-shui?).
瀘水從北來，至曲羅縈迥三曲。	[However,] if coming from Lúshuǐ (瀘水; lit. rushing waters) one approaches from the north, arriving at Qūluó (曲羅) along three crooked roads.	The Lu-shui comes from the north, and reaches Chu-lo (the Meanders?) and winds round and round in three curves.
每中間皆有磨些部落，以其負阻深險，承上莫能攻討同川。	Everywhere in between is deep and dangerous passes, that even the most talented general cannot tame.	In the middle of each there are Mo-so tribes. On account being stopped by deep abysses and dangerous heights, no Cheng-shang has yet been able to attack or punish them. (Comment: We hold that Cheng-shang is the name of a Man official. See what follows)
邊水左右，總謂之西蠻。	On either side of the water, the Western Barbarians (西蠻) are said to lie.
邛部東南三百五十裏至勿鄧部落，入鬼主夢沖，地方闊千裏。	350 li southeast of Qióngbù (邛部) is Wùdèng (勿鄧), a place 1000 li wide under the rule of the barbarian lord Mèngchōng (夢沖).
邛部一姓白蠻，五姓烏蠻。	For each house in Qióngbù (邛部) there are 100 barbarians; and for each five houses, one black barbarian.
初止五姓，在邛部、臺登中間，皆烏蠻也。	Other than five households, in between Táidēng (臺登) and Qióngbù (邛部) all are black barbarians.
婦人以黑繪為衣，其長曳地，又束、欽兩姓在北谷，皆白蠻，三姓皆屬。	Married women use black pigment of smeared dirt as clothing, albeit carefully applied. Except two households of the Northern Gorge (北谷), all are barbarians, including the other three households.
夢沖內受恩賞於國，外私於吐蕃。	In areas controlled by Mèngchōng (夢沖), the country is peaceful, and beyond lies Tǔbō (吐蕃; ie. post-Tibetan Empire Kham Tibet).
貞元七年，節度使韋臯使巂州刺史蘇隗殺夢沖，因別立大鬼主。	In the seventh year of the Zhengyuan era (ie. ~792CE), the government sent (weigao?) to kill mengchong, in order to prevent him from becoming barbarian king.
勿鄧南七十裏有兩姓部落。(案：此下當有闕文)	70 li south of Wùdèng (勿鄧) is the domain of the two households.