Map Introduction

Sizhou (Si Province) was the name of an administrative division in ancient China, first established during the Cao Wei period of the Three Kingdoms. It was reformed from the Office of the Colonel-Director of Retainers (Sili Xiaowei), with its administrative seat located at Henan (east of modern Luoyang City). Its jurisdiction covered areas of modern central Shaanxi, southwestern Shanxi, and western Henan. This administrative structure was continued and underwent some adjustments during the Western Jin Dynasty (265–316 AD).

Historical Evolution of Sizhou

• Cao Wei Period: Sizhou evolved from the Office of the Colonel-Director of Retainers. It governed five commanderies—Hedong, Pingyang, Henei, Hongnong, and Jianxing—along with the capital district administered by the Administrator of Henan (Henan Yin), totaling 61 counties. Its administrative seat was in Henan Commandery (within the area of modern Luoyang City).

• Western Jin Period:

  Administrative Adjustments: In the early Western Jin, the territorial scope of Sizhou was reduced, and its administrative seat was moved to Luoyang. It governed Henan Commandery and 11 other counties, including Luoyang, Gongxian, and Heyin. In the 2nd year of the Taishi era (266 AD), Yingyang Commandery (seat at Yingyang) was added, and the southern part of Hongnong Commandery was separated to establish Shangluo Commandery (seat at Shangluo).

  Functional Evolution: Sizhou maintained the supervisory function of the Han-era Colonel-Director of Retainers, responsible for monitoring local officials and managing affairs in the capital region. However, its actual authority was often constrained by changes in the central political situation. For instance, after the Yongjia Disturbances, the Sizhou region descended into warfare, and its administrative structure gradually became nominal.

Subsequent Evolution

After the Eastern Jin court moved south, the administrative seat of Sizhou was relocated to places like Hefei and Xingyang. During the Northern Dynasties period, it was renamed Luzhou or Xiangzhou. The Sizhou administrative division was gradually abolished after the Sui and Tang dynasties.