What prefecture-level cities do the four counties in Hexi that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty conquered now correspond to them?

The Hexi Corridor is sandwiched between the Qilian Mountains, Heli Mountain, Longshou Mountain and other mountains. Because of its long, narrow and straight terrain, it looks like a corridor, and it is located to the west of the Yellow River, so it is called the Hexi Corridor.

1 The history of the Hexi Corridor before it was incorporated into the Han Dynasty

The Hexi Corridor, also known as Yongzhou and Liangzhou in ancient times, has a long history. It was occupied by Xirong before the Warring States Period, and was occupied by the Yuezhi people during the Warring States Period. Later, Maodun Shanyu suddenly emerged, and the Xiongnu began to annex the Mobei countries. In 176 BC, Maodun Chanyu wrote to Emperor Wen of Han Dynasty to discuss peace, in which he mentioned that King Youxian had pacified the Yuezhi, and had also pacified Loulan, Wusun, Hujie and the twenty-six countries next to them. At this point, the Hexi Corridor was controlled by the Xiongnu.

2 The origin of the four counties in Hexi

After Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty came to the throne, he was unwilling to use the policy of peace and pro-government to compromise the Huns. Although the Mayi ambush plan in 133 BC failed because the Xiongnu saw through it, it started the prelude to conquering the Xiongnu by force.

1) In 127 BC, Wei Qing regained the land of Hetao in one fell swoop. The Han Dynasty established Shuofang County and Wuyuan County, immigrated 100,000 people to settle the land, renovated the old Great Wall of the Qin Dynasty, and stationed troops.

2) In 124 BC, in order to secure Shuofang, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty launched another attack on King Youxian of the Xiongnu in Monan. Wei Qing attacked King Youxian's court at night. King Youxian was unprepared and could only take advantage of the chaos to escape. The Han army captured 15,000 men and women from its tribe, and more than 10 Hun princes were captured alive.

3) In 121 BC, the Han Dynasty continued to expand its achievements westward. Huo Qubing was ordered to attack the tribes of King Hunxie and King Xiutu who occupied Hexi. In the spring, he annihilated nearly 9,000 enemies at the foot of Gaolan Mountain and captured the Xiongnu Jin people who offered sacrifices to the sky. In the summer, they wiped out more than 30,000 enemies and captured 59 people including the Five Kings and the Five Queen Mothers of the Huns.

Yi Zhixie Shanyu was furious and wanted to execute King Hunxie and King Xiutu. King Hunxie and King Xiutu planned to surrender to the Han Dynasty. Huo Qubing went to meet them and quelled their internal rebellion. In the end, more than 40,000 people surrendered to the Han Dynasty.

The Han Dynasty established four counties in Hexi from east to west: Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan, and Dunhuang. They were historically called the "Four Hexi counties". From then on, the Hexi Corridor was integrated into the Chinese territory, which also opened the way for the Han Dynasty to connect with the Western Regions.

3 Ancient and modern changes in the administrative areas of the Hexi Corridor

Note: The bold characters marked on the map are the administrative units of the Han Dynasty, and the brown characters are modern administrative units.

From the map above (Western Han Dynasty VS modern times), you can clearly see the ancient and modern changes in the administrative areas of the Hexi Corridor.

1) Wuwei County: corresponds to Wuwei City, with almost no changes; 2) Zhangye County: divided into two, including Zhangye City and Jinchang City. The administrative center has also been moved eastward; 3) Jiuquan County: divided into two parts, including Jiuquan City and Jiayuguan City. The administrative center has also been slightly adjusted; 4) Dunhuang County: Administratively, it is managed by Jiuquan City, and the administrative center has been slightly adjusted. Conclusion

Time flies, and more than 2,000 years have passed by. The establishment of the four counties in Hexi is of great significance. It not only protects the security of the border area, but also opens the door for the Han Dynasty to connect with the Western Regions.

"If the Huns are not destroyed, how can we call home!" Huo Qubing's oath is still in my ears. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty's determination is as solid as a rock. There are also many soldiers who fought bloody battles in the desert to open up new territories. Without your selflessness, Dedication, how can the spring breeze reach Yumen Pass?