A New Investigation of the Geographic Position of the Báilán Capital of the Tŭyùhún

Báilán, of the Tŭyùhún Kingdom, is an extremely important place name in the ethnic history of ancient China. Throughout the more than 900 year medieval period of Chinese history–the Wèi, Jìn, Northern and Southern dynasties, Táng, Sòng, and Yuán eras (third to thirteenthcenturies)–the name Báilán remained in historical materials, demonstrating the name's historical significance. Scholars have discussed the geographic position of Báilán since the 1920s, but no consensus has emerged. In this paper we undertake a comprehensive investigation of the issue. We carried out related field work in Dūlán County and the Qaidam (Cháidámù) area of Hăixī Prefecture, Qīnghăi Province and interviewed knowledgeable elders of the region. We also consulted the results of recent archeological excavations. We advance explanations for the terms 'Báilán Qiāng' and 'Báilán Mountains', and suggest a location of the ancient city of Báilán.