Qianzhou (in modern Liaoning)

Qianzhou was a historical prefecture (州, zhou) located in what is now modern-day Liaoning Province, China, primarily during the Liao Dynasty (907-1125) and Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). Its administrative center was located near present-day Ganjingzi District of Dalian.

Established by the Liao Dynasty, Qianzhou was strategically important due to its location on the Liaodong Peninsula, offering access to the Bohai Sea. Its creation was part of the Liao's broader strategy of controlling the region and expanding their influence eastward. The prefecture was populated by various ethnic groups, including Khitans, Han Chinese, and other northeastern peoples.

During the Jin Dynasty, which succeeded the Liao, Qianzhou continued to exist, albeit under Jin rule. Its administrative boundaries may have shifted slightly, but it generally retained its importance as a regional administrative center.

The specific institutions and administrative structures of Qianzhou would have mirrored those of other prefectures within the Liao and Jin systems, including the presence of local officials appointed by the central government, the collection of taxes, and the maintenance of local order. Agriculture, fishing, and trade would have been significant economic activities in the region surrounding Qianzhou.

The name Qianzhou may no longer be used in official administrative divisions, but the historical significance of the area remains relevant to understanding the regional history of Liaoning province during the Liao and Jin periods. Archaeological research in the region continues to shed light on the history and culture of Qianzhou and its surrounding areas.