Protectorate, also known as Duhu Fu (Chinese: 都護府), was a type of administrative division of the Chinese Empire, especially during the Han and Tang dynasties, established in frontier regions.
During the Han and Tang dynasties, a protectorate was the highest government agency in frontier areas and was directly responsible to the imperial court.
Sometimes, a protectorate had subdivisions named commanderies, or Dudu Fu (Chinese: 都督府).
It controlled the majority of Tarim Basin and some other parts of Central Asia after the Han dynasty defeated Xiongnu.
Notable protectorates in Chinese history include: This China-related article is a stub.