Abstract: The system of inter-regional placement of chieftains in the Qing Dynasty was an important measure for the central government to strengthen border governance and consolidate political stability. Its essence reflects the deep contradiction between the Qing court's chieftain system and the policy of returning land to the flow. From the perspective of “unification”, the evolution, historical reasons, and multidimensional influences of the system of inter regional placement of chieftains in the Qing Dynasty are systemically studied. This indicates that the system of inter-regional placement is not only the aftermath of the Qing court's punishment and monitoring of chieftains, but also the core of the infiltration of state power into the border areas and the strengthening of central authority. The geographical isolation and administrative restructuring can not only weaken the power of local chieftains effectively , but also promote the transformation of border areas from “indirect autonomy” to “direct jurisdiction”, thereby accelerating ethnic integration and national consolidation.

Key words: “Unified” consciousness, Qing Dynasty, Tusi, remote placement system