Abstract: Recognizing its superior geographical position the Ming government established a custom post at Linqing during the Xuande re ign ( 1426-35) While scholars have discussed the city of Linqing and its commerce in detail this essay reviews the establishment and development of the Linqing customs house and the relationship between customs officials and the broader community .This paper also explores the quality and the function o f the Linqing customs post as an organization for economic administration.