Ying Prefecture (Hebei)

Ying Prefecture (瀛州, Yíngzhōu) was a historical prefecture (zhou) in imperial China, located in modern Hebei province. Its administrative seat was generally in what is now Hejian City, Hebei.

The prefecture existed from the Northern Wei Dynasty to the early Ming Dynasty. Its establishment is generally attributed to the need to administer the area following the shifting of political power in Northern China. During different dynasties, the territory under Ying Prefecture's jurisdiction varied, but it consistently included portions of what is now central and eastern Hebei.

Ying Prefecture's strategic importance stemmed from its location in the North China Plain, making it a key agricultural area and a potential route for military incursions. The area was also subject to frequent flooding, influencing its history and development. The prefecture often served as a buffer zone between the central government and nomadic groups to the north.

Throughout its existence, Ying Prefecture was administered under different political regimes, each leaving its mark on the local economy and culture. After the early Ming Dynasty, it was reorganized, with its territory being integrated into other administrative divisions, effectively ending its existence as a distinct prefecture. The legacy of Ying Prefecture can still be seen in the history and geography of the Hejian region.