The Historical Map of Jizhou and Bingzhou in the Western Jin Dynasty of China

Map Introduction

The historical evolution of Ji Province and Bing Province during the Western Jin Dynasty (265–316 AD) is primarily reflected in administrative adjustments and changes in geographical scope:

Ji Province * Duration: The Western Jin continued the administrative tradition of the Eastern Han, with Ji Province remaining a first-level administrative division. * Seat of Government: The seat of Ji Province, fixed at Yecheng (modern Linzhang, Hebei) in the late Eastern Han, continued to serve in this capacity during the Western Jin. * Territorial Changes: Ji Province administered various commanderies and principalities, such as Anping, Zhao, Julu, and Pingyuan. Its territory covered modern southeastern Hebei and parts of Henan.

Bing Province * Duration: Established as a first-level administrative division in the Eastern Han, Bing Province continued under the Western Jin. * Seat Adjustment: The seat of Bing Province was moved to Jinyang (modern Taiyuan, Shanxi) in the late Eastern Han and remained there during the Western Jin. * Territorial Changes: Bing Province administered commanderies including Taiyuan, Shangdang, and Xihe. Its scope encompassed most of modern Shanxi and parts of Hebei and Inner Mongolia.

Regional Relationship

During the Western Jin period, the Yellow River formed the boundary between Ji Province and Bing Province. Ji Province was located north of the river, while Bing Province lay to the south. Geographically distinct, the two provinces nonetheless maintained their separate administrative identities.