kingdom · China, Tibet and Mongolia

Liang (Li Gui)

617 CE – 619 CE · capital Wuwei

A brief kingdom in the Hexi Corridor, centred on Wuwei, set up as Sui collapsed and overthrown in 619 by a Sogdian family who handed it to the Tang.

Origins

Li Gui, a wealthy and respected notable of Wuwei (Liangzhou), was chosen by local leaders in 617 to resist the Qin of Xue Ju. He proclaimed himself Prince of Great Liang and in 618 took the title of emperor, controlling the Hexi Corridor oasis cities.

Rule and society

The state sat astride the Silk Road, and Sogdian merchant families were powerful in its capital. Li Gui at first exchanged friendly letters with Li Yuan, founder of the Tang Dynasty, but refused to accept a subordinate title, insisting on equal imperial status.

Decline and legacy

In 619 the Tang envoy An Xinggui, whose Sogdian family was influential in Wuwei, worked with his brother An Xiuren to raise troops against Li Gui. They captured him and delivered him to Chang'an, where he was executed, and the Hexi Corridor passed to Tang rule.

Lineage

Sui Dynasty 581 CE – 618 CELiang (Li Gui)

Connections (1)

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Cite this page
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Liang (Li Gui). In The Epoch Institute States Register. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/liang-li-gui
MLA
“Liang (Li Gui).” The Epoch Institute States Register, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/liang-li-gui. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Liang (Li Gui).” The Epoch Institute States Register. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/liang-li-gui.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Liang (Li Gui)’, The Epoch Institute States Register. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/liang-li-gui (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random state ↻