The layout of administrative offices, often followed a standard architectural design across different dynasties in ancient China. However, there were variations depending on the region, resources, and specific needs of the local government. While the basic layout was similar, with certain key structures and functional spaces, differences existed based on the size, wealth, and importance of the administrative division.
Variations in Layout:
While the components on the previous chapter were standard in most xiànyá, there were differences based on the size and importance of the administrative unit:
County Offices (县衙, xiànyá):
County-level offices were typically simpler in design, especially in smaller or less affluent counties. The county magistrate was often the highest authority, so the office was smaller, with fewer subordinate officials and smaller facilities for handling public affairs.
Counties in larger, wealthier regions might have had more elaborate courtrooms and larger storage areas to handle tax collection and records for large populations.
Prefecture Offices (州衙, zhōuyá):
Prefecture-level offices (which were higher than counties) were often larger and more complex in design. The Prefect (刺史, cìshǐ) oversaw multiple counties, so the zhōuyá needed more space for additional staff and for larger meetings.
Prefecture offices often had more extensive administrative quarters for subordinate officials. In addition, the courtrooms were larger, as prefects had more legal authority than county magistrates.
Commandery Offices (郡衙, jùnyá):
During periods when commanderies (郡, jùn) were in use, the Commandery Governor (太守, tàishǒu) often had a more militarized office layout. Commandery offices typically had barracks or storage facilities for military supplies, as commanderies were responsible for defense in addition to civil administration.
These offices were larger than county offices but could vary in size depending on the strategic importance of the commandery.
Offices in Lower Administrative Divisions:
Townships (乡, xiāng) and Villages (村, cūn):
Townships and villages did not typically have formal offices like the xiànyá. Governance in these smaller divisions was handled by township chiefs (乡长, xiāngzhǎng) or village chiefs (村长, cūnzhǎng) who worked from their homes or gathering places.
In rare cases, a township or village might have a small office or meeting hall, especially in larger, more populous regions. However, these were informal compared to the fully structured xiànyá found in counties.
What Determines the Layout?
Size of the Population: Larger populations required more space for staff, courtrooms, and tax management.
Wealth of the Region: Wealthier regions could afford more elaborate and larger offices.
Strategic Importance: Offices in regions with military importance (such as frontier prefectures or commanderies) often had additional facilities for defense.