The political unity of the Sui and Tang dynasties offered a stable environment for the construction of large-scale water conservancy projects, which not only showcased the engineering wisdom of ancient China but also significantly advanced the practical application of geographical technology and the accumulation of experience. Thanks to greater mobility and exchange, travellers and explorers left behind them a wealth of valuable geographical works recording local customs and practices. The need of the ruling class for map-making and geomorphological analysis in military activities, supported by the thriving economy and especially the mining sector, also injected momentum into the development of geography. In addition, the widespread dissemination of Taoism and Buddhism, along with the selection and construction of religious buildings, involved in-depth surveys of topography and landforms, thus deepening people's understanding of geography. It is evident that the development of geography during the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties was the result of the combined effects of political, transportation, military, economic, and religious factors.