Yan Mountains

By the Warring States period, the state moved its capital to Ji, located in the southwestern part of modern Beijing.

From this base, Yan gradually extended its influence beyond the Yanshan Mountains and into regions as far as the Liao River and even parts of the Korean Peninsula.

Yan rarely dominated the politics of the central plains, but it became an important regional power.

Its greatest moment came under King Zhao of Yan in the third century BCE.

Archaeological discoveries near modern Beijing locations such as Baiyun Temple and Guang'an Gate have revealed remains from the Warring States period that appear connected with the old city of Ji.

Over time, the rising state of Yan absorbed Ji and made it its capital.

Because of its strategic location, controlling routes through the Yanshan Mountains, Ji gradually became the central city of the region.

Yan ruled from there for several centuries, making it the political heart of northern China.