Map Introduction

The historical evolution of Later Qin, Later Yan, Western Qin, and Later Liang is closely intertwined with the rise of Northern Wei, collectively shaping the intricate political landscape of the Sixteen Kingdoms period.

Later Qin (384–417 AD)
- Establishment: In 384 AD, the Qiang warlord Yao Chang declared himself emperor in Chang'an, establishing Later Qin with its capital at Chang'an, thereby continuing the legacy of Former Qin rule.
- Development: After Yao Chang's death in 393 AD, his son Yao Xing succeeded him. He consolidated his rule by defeating Former Qin at the Battle of Feiqiao and captured Luoyang in 399 AD, marking the zenith of Later Qin's power.
- Decline: In 417 AD, the renowned Eastern Jin general Liu Yu launched a northern expedition, capturing Chang'an. The last emperor of Later Qin, Yao Hong, surrendered, leading to the dynasty's collapse.

Later Yan (384–409 AD)
- Establishment: In 384 AD, Murong Chui founded Later Yan in Hebei, setting his capital at Zhongshan.
- Expansion: In 407 AD, he defeated Western Yan and gained control over the Guandong region. However, in 409 AD, under attack from Northern Wei, he was forced to move the capital to Longcheng (modern Chaoyang, Liaoning).

Western Qin (385–431 AD)
- Establishment: In 385 AD, Qifu Guoren established Western Qin at Yongshi Cheng (modern Yuzhong, Gansu), later moving the capital to Jincheng (modern Lanzhou).
- Rise and Fall: In 402 AD, he defeated Later Liang and took control of the Hexi region. In 431 AD, after being defeated by Northern Wei, Western Qin relocated to Gua Province (modern Dunhuang, Gansu).

Later Liang (386–403 AD)
- Establishment: In 386 AD, the Di leader Lü Guang seized Dunhuang and founded Later Liang.
- Collapse: In 403 AD, under joint attack by Western Qin and Southern Liang, Lü Long surrendered, leading to the fall of Later Liang.

Northern Wei (386–534 AD)
- Rise: In 386 AD, Tuoba Gui restored the state and founded Northern Wei, with its capital at Shengle (modern Horinger, Inner Mongolia).
- Unification: In 439 AD, Northern Wei conquered Northern Liang, ending the fragmentation of the Sixteen Kingdoms and ushering in the Northern and Southern Dynasties period.

Interconnection of Key Events
In the later phase of the Sixteen Kingdoms, regimes like Later Qin and Later Yan faced crises due to Eastern Jin's northern expeditions and Northern Wei's expansion. Notable examples include:
- Liu Yu's northern expedition in 417 AD, which captured Chang'an and caused the fall of Later Qin.
- Later Yan's relocation of its capital to Longcheng in 409 AD, marking its decline.
- Northern Wei's unification of the north in 439 AD, which brought the Sixteen Kingdoms period to an end.