Guanzhong

Guanzhong (simplified Chinese: 关中; traditional Chinese: 關中; pinyin: guānzhōng, literally 'pass, center'), or Guanzhong Plain, is a historical region of China corresponding to the lower valley of the Wei River. It is called Guanzhong or 'within the passes' to distinguish it from 'Guandong' or 'east of the pass', that is, the North China Plain. The North China Plain is bordered on the west by mountains. The Yellow River cuts through the mountains at the Hangu Pass separating Guanzhong from Guandong. During the Warring States Period Guanzhong was the western edge of Chinese civilization and was controlled by the state of Qin. As Qin became more militaristic its enemies claimed that it had adopted barbarian customs and was not fully Chinese. It was said that 'Guanzhong produces generals and Guandong produces ministers'. The state of Qin united China and Guanzhong was the center of the Qin and several later dynasties.