Military Preparation Treatise, Volume 197

Records of Strategic Assessment

Assessment Nine

Geography Nine

Map and Description of Shanxi

Gui E says: Shanxi is the ancient territory of Jizhou one of the nine ancient provinces of China. It backs onto the northern deserts original: "朔漠" (Shuomo), with mountains and rivers forming its inner and outer defenses, occupying a position that overlooks and commands the Central Plains. North of Xin and Dai two prefectures under the jurisdiction of Taiyuan Prefecture, the northern invaders frequently launch incursions. Therefore, the Datong military garrison was specifically established to provide mutual support with the Yansui located west of Datong and Xuanfu located southeast of Datong garrisons.