This chapter delves into the principles and political and geographical considerations behind ancient Chinese administrative divisionsAdministrative division. It emphasizes how these divisions established the geographical foundation for local officials’ authority and defined its scope. The formation of administrative boundaries, from tribal to fiefdom stages, is intricately linked to natural geography and political necessities. The lecture outlines two predominant paradigms in boundary setting: “Following the Natural Contours of Mountains and RiversFollowing the Natural Contours of Mountains and Rivers” and “Interlocking like Canine Teeth”. The former simplifies management by using natural features to set boundaries, but may also create regions susceptible to local separatism due to strategic advantages. Conversely, “Interlocking Boundaries” mixes regions with different characteristics within the same division, reducing separatism and fostering economic interdependence. Historical case studies from the Qin and Han dynasties through to the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties illustrate the application and adaptation of these principles over time. The lecture also addresses the implications of these principles for contemporary Chinese administrative divisionsAdministrative division, including their impact on economic development, infrastructure, and social governance.