Abstract:
This paper aims to study the characteristics and the change in the tributary relationship between China and Lan Na fr om the late of the 13 th century to the 16 th century . The author analyzes the change in this relation via dividing into the following three periods . Firstly , the stage before the es- tablishment of tributary relationship . Secondly , the development of the trib utary relationship between China and Lan Na . Thirdly , the end of the relationship . By analyzing China s management and dom- inance over Lan Na , and how China s tributary institutional system works on Lan Na , the author studied the characteristics of the trib utary relationship of China with Lan Na The research found that the tributary relationship between China and Lan Na among the three periods was dynamic , which was changeable according to the specific situation of each period of two kingdoms . During the fi rst period (1260-1312 ), Lan Na fought against China . China tried to conquer Lan Na with military force but failed finally . During the second period (1312-1487 ), China and Lan Na established the tributary relationship which was harmonious even reached i ts peak but still was unsustainable . During the third period (1487-1558), the tributary relationship between China and Lan Na was broken after Lan Na was no longer an independent state since it become Burma s depend- ent territory . The tributary relationsh ip between China and Lan Na was an unequal power relationship . As is to say , China dominates Lan Na as the role of a patron , because China had established local offices in Lan Na and set up the specific requirements for Lan Na in the tribute system . Howeve r , to do so , both sides must safeguard their own interests