Zhili Province
The province was one of the first regions in China where civilization developed. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it was ruled by the states of Yan and Zhao, and has long been in the northern borders of the Zhongyuan culture. Since Beijing and its surrounding regions were often chosen as the capital, Hebei has served an important role of containing and protecting the city since the Jin dynasty. During the Yuan dynasty, it was called Zhongshu Province; during the Ming Dynasty, it was North Zhili; and during the Qing dynasty, it was Zhili Province. The province was renamed "Hebei" in 1928.