Exile, as a form of punishment, dates back to the ancient times, with its roots planted firmly in the pre-Qin period of Chinese history. Imagine being banished from your homeland, sent to a distant, barren place with little hope of return. Far from the modern-day concept of a “change of scenery,” exile in ancient China was a grave punishment, feared by even the highest officials. The first recorded instance of exile was during the Shang dynasty when the powerful minister Yi Yin sent the king Tai Jia into exile, forcing him to reflect in isolation—a case known as “Yi Yin exiling Tai Jia.”
Exile: More Than Just a Relocation
At first, exile was reserved for the political elite, often political prisoners who had fallen out of favor with the ruling regime. Over time, however, it became a tool to punish common criminals as well. During the Tang dynasty, exile became one of the five main punishments, alongside flogging, beatings, penal labor, and death. While today’s concept of being exiled might seem like just a change of address, in ancient times, it was a terrifying sentence.
The ancient Chinese were deeply rooted in their homeland, and even high-ranking officials upon retirement would often return to their birthplace to spend their final years. Being forcibly removed from one’s hometown, with no hope of returning, was an unimaginable horror. The places chosen for exile were far from hospitable—often located in remote, desolate, and harsh regions. The more severe the crime, the farther the exile destination. These areas were often underdeveloped, with scarce resources, poor medical care, and harsh living conditions that made survival a daily struggle.
The journey itself was grueling. Many perished along the way due to illness or exhaustion. Those sent to harsher locations were often subjected to forced labor or conscripted into the military, while those with lighter offenses were allowed to live freely, though under dire circumstances.
The Notorious Exile “Hotspots”
Let’s take a look at some of the infamous exile destinations in ancient China.
- Fangling
Located in modern-day Shiyan City, Hubei Province, Fangling was a popular exile location for high-ranking officials. Notable figures sent here include Zhao Wang during the Qin conquest of Zhao, royal family members during the Han dynasty, and even Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, who was exiled by his mother, Wu Zetian. In total, 16 monarchs and countless nobles were sent here. - Lingnan (Southern China)
Today, Lingnan refers to Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan. While now economically vibrant, this region was once considered a wild, uncivilized area. The famous scholar Han Yu was exiled to Chaozhou (now part of Guangdong), where he was horrified by the local cuisine, which seemed outlandish to him. The dish that shocked him? Raw oysters. While today, oysters are a delicacy, they were considered a strange and repulsive food in Han Yu’s time. Exiled scholars like Su Shi were sent to the remote island of Hainan, a place they would likely not have imagined as a “paradise” when they first arrived. Interestingly, Hainan’s Yaizhou, located near modern-day Sanya, was a notorious “exile hotspot.” Though Sanya is now a popular tourist destination, it was once a place of punishment, far removed from the bustling capital cities of China. - Manchuria (Northeast China)
The Qing dynasty was particularly fond of sending criminals to Manchuria, an area considered a military zone and the birthplace of the Manchu people. The region was sparsely populated, making escape nearly impossible. One of the most infamous exile locations in Manchuria was Ningguta, near modern-day Heilongjiang and Ning’an. The harsh winters and the grueling labor conditions made this area particularly feared. In fact, the phrase “to exile someone to Ningguta” was synonymous with a death sentence. - Other Exile Locations
In addition to the major areas mentioned above, criminals were also sent to places like Sichuan, Guizhou, Xinjiang, Mongolia, and Hebei. These were all areas far from the reach of the imperial court, making them ideal locations for punishment. The long, dangerous journey and harsh conditions made escape virtually impossible.
The Psychology of Exile
One might wonder why those exiled didn’t simply escape. The answer lies in the extreme isolation of these locations. Many of these exile sites were so remote that escaping was practically a death sentence. Additionally, prisoners often had their faces tattooed with their crime and the location of their exile. This made it impossible for them to blend in with local populations and avoid identification. During the Qing dynasty, they even had to be marked with both Manchu and Han characters, a harsh reminder of their status as outcasts.
Cultural Legacy of Exile
While exile may seem like a harsh relic of ancient history, it has left its mark on Chinese culture. The experience of exile shaped the writings and works of many scholars, who found themselves reflecting on their experiences in isolation. For example, Su Shi, a prominent poet, composed many of his most famous works during his exile in Hainan. Exile also influenced Chinese political and philosophical thought, particularly ideas around justice and mercy.
In modern times, exile as a punishment has long since been abolished. However, its legacy still lingers in stories, poems, and historical texts, offering us a glimpse into the struggles of those who were cast away, far from their homes and families, to live out their days in harsh and unforgiving lands.