Map Introduction

During the Western Jin Dynasty (265–316 AD), the historical evolution of the various Xianbei tribes was primarily reflected in their interactions with the Central Plains regimes and the process of ethnic integration, focusing mainly on the rise and fragmentation of core tribes such as the Murong and Tuoba.

Migration and Distribution of the Xianbei Tribes

The Xianbei people originally inhabited the Greater Khingan Mountains region. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, they split into two groups: the Wuhuan and the Xianbei. In the early Western Jin period, Xianbei tribes were forcibly relocated to the Yong-Liang region (modern Gansu and Ningxia). Among them, the Hexi Xianbei had already entered Yong and Liang Provinces during the Cao Wei period, living intermingled with the Han Chinese.

Rise of the Core Tribes * Murong Tribe: Originally based in the Liaoxi region, the Murong tribe grew in strength under Murong Hui through the adoption of Chinese customs and administrative practices. After Murong Huang succeeded him, he defeated rival powers like the Duan and Yuwen tribes and established the Former Yan state in 337 AD. Later leaders like Murong Ke and Murong Chui further expanded their influence, forming states such as Former Yan, Later Yan, and Western Yan. * Tuoba Tribe: Active in the Yunzhong area (modern Tokto region, Inner Mongolia), Tuoba Yilu allied with Liu Kun, the Governor of Bing Province under Western Jin, to resist Shi Le. He was enfeoffed as the "Duke of Dai" and established the Dai state in 315 AD. Later, under Tuoba Tao, the tribe unified northern China and founded the Northern Wei dynasty in 439 AD. * Other Tribes: Tribes such as the Qifu migrated to the Yong-Liang region and established the Western Qin state, while the Tufa tribe occupied the Hexi corridor and founded the Southern Liang state.

Interactions with the Central Plains Regimes

In the early Western Jin period, the various Xianbei tribes were nominally subordinate to the central government. For instance, the Tuoba tribe received the title "Duke of Dai," and the Duan tribe controlled Liaoxi Commandery. However, as warfare intensified in the Central Plains, the Xianbei gradually broke away from central control. For example, after the Murong tribe established Former Yan in 337 AD, they continuously expanded, ultimately contributing to the pattern of the "Sixteen Kingdoms of the Five Barbarian Peoples."

Impact of Ethnic Integration

Through their intermingled settlement with the Han Chinese, cultural exchange accelerated. For instance, the Murong tribe strengthened itself by adopting Chinese practices, while the Northern Wei, through its Taihe Reforms, promoted the sinicization of the Xianbei aristocracy, thereby fostering ethnic integration.