Yan Prefecture (Shandong) Explained

Yanzhou or Yan Prefecture was a zhou (prefecture) in imperial China centering on modern Yanzhou District, Jining, Shandong, China. It existed (intermittently) until 1385, when the Ming dynasty created Yanzhou Prefecture.

Yan Prefecture was named after Yan Province, one of the Nine Provinces of ancient China. The modern district of Yanzhou District retains its name.

Geography

The administrative region of Yan Prefecture in the Tang dynasty is in modern central Shandong. It probably includes parts of modern:

• Under the administration of Jining:
  • Jining
  • Qufu
  • Zoucheng
  • Wenshang County
  • Sishui County
• Under the administration of Tai'an:
  • Tai'an
  • Ningyang County
• Under the administration of Laiwu:
  • Laiwu

References

• Book: Shi Weile. 2005. Zhongguo Lishi Diming Da Cidian (中国历史地名大词典). Large Dictionary of Chinese Historical Place Names. China Social Sciences Press. 7-5004-4929-1. 1636. zh.