Abstract: During the early Qing period, the Qing Dynasty centralized its power to deal with the South Ming regime and the Zheng power group. The pirates in Beibu Gulf took the chance, accepted the ruling of the South Ming regime and the Zheng power group, and developed to a sea power reigning on the Beibu Gulf zone, with the Longmen Island in the Qinzhou Bay as its base. Along with the South Ming regime retreating from Guangxi and the Revolt of the Three Feudatories being put down, the Qing Dynasty got the control and strengthened the administration of the Beibu Gulf zone, including setting up the coastal navy, establishing the system of sea inspection, adjusting military deployment of offshore islands, and perfecting the coastal defense facilities. All of these safeguarded the peace of Beibu Gulf zone for nearly 100 years in the early Qing Dynasty.

Key words: the early Qing period, Beibu Gulf, pirates, YANG Yan-di, the administration of sea territory