The Forbidden City of the Northwest: Discovering the Lu Tusi Government Office

A Miniature Forbidden City in the Gobi Hinterland

1.Located in Liancheng: Town, Yongdeng County, Lanzhou City, the Lu Tusi Government Office is a spectacular architectural ensemble often described as the "Forbidden City of the Northwest". It is recognized as the largest, best-preserved, and longest-running Tusi administrative complex in China's northwestern region. Situated at an altitude of 1,900 meters, the complex covers an area of 3.3 square kilometers and serves as a profound physical record of the hereditary Tusi system that governed the region for over five centuries.

The Legacy of the Lu Lineage

The history of this office began in 1370 during the early Ming Dynasty when Lu Xian, a Mongol noble who surrendered to the Ming, was appointed as the first Tusi of the region. The Lu family continued to govern for over 500 years across the Ming and Qing dynasties, acting as a crucial administrative link between the central imperial government and the multi-ethnic borderlands. The complex was meticulously designed to mirror the layout of the imperial palace in Beijing, integrating the government office (Yamen), personal residences, ancestral gardens, and religious temples into a single, cohesive unit.

A Synthesis of Han and Tibetan Cultures

One of the site's most distinguished features is its cultural fusion, representing a bridge between Han, Tibetan, and Mongolian traditions. The Miaoyin Temple, located within the complex, is a premier example of this synthesis, housing rare Ming Dynasty murals that blend Han and Tibetan Buddhist artistic styles. The architecture showcases the high political status of the Lu Tusi, featuring grand halls like the Zhengting (Grand Hall) and the Yanting (Back Hall), both decorated with exquisite wood, stone, and brick carvings that depict local folklore and imperial motifs.

A Living Fossil of the Ancient Silk Road

Positioned as a strategic node along the branch routes of the ancient Silk Road, the Lu Tusi Government Office was historically a center for trade and military defense. Today, it remains a "living fossil," offering visitors a glimpse into a unique form of governance and a rare architectural style that has survived the passage of centuries in the rugged Gansu landscape. Its combination of solemn administrative space and tranquil gardens makes it a cornerstone for understanding the cultural diversity of the Longxi region.