Dingnan Jiedushi

Dingnan Jiedushi (simplified Chinese: 定难节度使; traditional Chinese: 定難節度使), also known as Xiasui Jiedushi (simplified Chinese: 夏绥节度使; traditional Chinese: 夏绥節度使), was a military post known as a jiedushi created in 787 by the Tang dynasty and lasted until the early Song dynasty when its rulers established the Western Xia. It was headquartered in modern Yulin, Shaanxi. Its rulers were of Tangut stock starting from Li Sigong (Tuoba Sigong), and they effectively ruled the circuit in de facto independence despite its nominal submission to the central Chinese dynasties. Attempts by the Later Tang and Song dynasty to dislodge the family from its rule of Dingnan Circuit were unsuccessful, and the region eventually became the independent dynasty of Western Xia.

Map showing the location of Dingnan Jiedushi during the Five Dynasties period