Map Introduction

The historical evolution of Liang Province during the Western Jin Dynasty (265–316 AD) can be examined across political, economic, and cultural dimensions:

Political Evolution

After the establishment of the Western Jin, Liang Province remained a provincial-level administrative region, with its seat at Guzang County (modern Liangzhou District, Wuwei City). In 265 AD, when Western Jin replaced Cao Wei, Liang Province administered seven commanderies: Wuwei, Jincheng, Zhangye, Jiuquan, Dunhuang, Xiping (modern Xining, Qinghai), and Xihai (around Qinghai Lake). The Inspector of Liang Province, stationed in Wuwei, was responsible for governing the northwestern frontier.

Administrative Adjustments

In 279 AD, a major upheaval occurred in Liang Province when the Xianbei leader Tufa Shuneng rebelled. The Inspector of Liang Province, Yang Xin, was defeated and killed. After the fall of Western Jin in 316 AD, Liang Province became the core territory of the Former Liang regime. During the tenure of Zhang Gui as Inspector of Liang Province, Guzang City was expanded, forming a defensive system of "four interconnected walled enclosures," establishing it as the political center of the northwest.

Economy and Culture

Liang Province was renowned for its animal husbandry and grape wine. During the Western Jin period, official "vineyards" were established, making it a state-run wine production base. Emperor Wen of Wei (Cao Pi) even issued an edict praising "the grapes of Liang Province for making fine wine," cementing its status as a tribute item for the imperial court. Culturally, Liang Province became a major hub for the spread of Buddhism in northern China, with eminent monks residing and propagating Buddhist teachings there during the Former Liang period.

Ethnic Groups and Frontier Defense

Liang Province was a multi-ethnic settlement in the northwest. The Western Jin implemented a "policy of segregating Hu and Han populations" here, with cities like Guzang becoming centers of Hu-Han interaction. After the fall of Western Jin in 316 AD, Liang Province experienced successive regime changes, including the Former Liang and Later Zhao, yet it consistently maintained its status as a crucial military stronghold in the northwest.