Map Introduction

State of Han

Foundation and Capital Relocation: In 403 BCE, Marquess Jing of Han (Han Qian) formally established the State of Han, making Yangzhai (modern-day Yuzhou, Henan) its capital. In 375 BCE, after Marquess Ai of Han conquered the State of Zheng, the capital was moved to Xinzheng (modern-day Xinzheng, Henan).

Reforms and Prosperity: During the reign of Marquess Zhao of Han (362–333 BCE), Shen Buhai was appointed to implement reforms centered on statecraft and administrative technique. By strengthening central authority, he achieved a state of "effective governance and a powerful military," enabling Han to become the only one among the Seven Powers to claim the royal title (in 325 BCE, alongside the State of Wei, they were known as the "Two Emperors, East and West").

Decline and Fall: Due to its vulnerable location, surrounded by potential enemies on all sides, and incomplete reforms, Han became the first of the Seven Powers to be conquered by the State of Qin in 230 BCE. At its peak, its territory extended north to Gongluo, west to Yiyang, and east to Wanrang, yet it ultimately could not escape destruction.

State of Wei

Foundation and Capital Relocation: In 403 BCE, Wei Si was formally enfeoffed as a feudal lord by King Weilie of Zhou, establishing the State of Wei with its capital at Anyi (modern-day Xia County, Shanxi). In 361 BCE, the capital was moved to Daliang (modern-day Kaifeng, Henan), ushering in its golden age.

Reforms and Expansion: Under Marquess Wen of Wei, Li Kui implemented comprehensive reforms, while the military, led by Wu Qi, initially succeeded in suppressing Qin. Wei launched multiple campaigns: jointly with Han and Zhao against Chu reaching Sangqiu in 453 BCE; against Qi to Sangqiu in 380 BCE; and against Song to Pengcheng in 377 BCE.

Decline and Outcome: Hindered by its strategically vulnerable position, stagnation in later reforms, and internal power struggles, Wei was gradually annexed by the ascending State of Qin.

Both states ultimately declined due to geographical constraints and insufficient depth of reform. However, Wei experienced a period of significant strength through its early reforms, whereas Han relied on shorter-lived reforms to maintain its status among the "Seven Powers".

Map Source

The Historical Maps of the Han and Wei States in the Warring States Period of China is sourced from The Historical Atlas of China, Volume 1(2)—Maps of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods, published by SinoMaps Press on October 1, 1982, with Tan Qixiang as its author.

The Historical Atlas of China is an atlas focusing primarily on the historical administrative divisions and territories of China throughout its dynasties, compiled under the chief editorship of Tan Qixiang. The entire work spans from the primitive society to the end of the Qing dynasty, organized into 8 volumes and 20 sections according to historical periods, containing a total of 304 maps (not including illustrations). All maps juxtapose historical and modern geography. The compilation of this atlas began in the 1950s, it was seriously disturbed during the cultural revolution. The internal edition was published in 1975 but contained numerous errors. Publication of Volumes 1-8 occurred successively starting in 1982. The Historical Atlas of China is a rare and valuable resource for studying the historical administrative divisions of China.

Related Maps * Historical Map of the Warring States Period in China * Historical Map: Situation of the Contending States during the Warring States Period (350 BCE) * Historical Map of the States of Zhao and Zhongshan during the Warring States Period in China * Historical Map of the States of Qi, Lu, and Song during the Warring States Period in China * Historical Map of the State of Yan during the Warring States Period in China * Historical Map of the States of Qin and Shu during the Warring States Period in China * Historical Map of the States of Chu and Yue during the Warring States Period in China