Map Introduction

During the Western Jin Dynasty (265–316 AD), the historical evolution of Yong Province and Qin Province was primarily reflected in administrative adjustments, ethnic relations, and local governance. A detailed analysis is provided below:

Establishment and Abolition of Qin Province

As a first-level administrative division, Qin Province underwent two significant adjustments in the early Western Jin period:

• Fifth year of the Taishi era (269 AD): The Western Jin carved out the western part of Yong Province to establish Qin Province, which administered seven commanderies and twenty-four counties. Its seat was set at Shanggui County in Tianshui Commandery (modern Qinzhou District).
• Sixth year of the Taishi era (270 AD): Due to rebellions by the Hexi Xianbei, Qin Province was abolished and reincorporated into Yong Province.

Geographical Relationship Between Yong Province and Qin Province

Yong Province was a crucial strategic region in the northwest of the Western Jin, encompassing parts of modern Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, and Qinghai. Qin Province, established from the western part of Yong Province, covered areas of modern southeastern Gansu and parts of Shaanxi. Geographically, the two maintained a subordinate relationship. For instance, when Qin Province was established in 269 AD, its administrative framework still fell under the jurisdiction of Yong Province.

Ethnic Conflicts and Governance Issues

The Western Jin implemented a hardline policy toward the northwestern ethnic minorities:

• After appointing Hu Lie as the Inspector of Qin Province, his imposition of heavy taxes and misuse of military force provoked the Hexi Xianbei chieftain, Tufa Shuneng, to launch a rebellion against the Jin in 270 AD, plunging Qin Province into turmoil.
• Over the following decades, Qin Province was repeatedly controlled by regimes such as the Former Zhao and Former Qin, resulting in frequent changes in governance.

Impact of Population Migration

Following the rebellion of the Di leader Qi Wannian in 296 AD, large numbers of residents migrated to regions such as Hanzhong and Liang Province. For example, up to 100,000 displaced people from six commanderies, including Tianshui and Lueyang, fled their homes, leading to the rise of local powerful families and indirectly influencing the subsequent regional political landscape.

The evolution of Qin Province and Yong Province during this period not only reflects the Western Jin's governance challenges in the northwestern frontier but also highlights the impact of ethnic conflicts and natural disasters on administrative divisions.