kingdom · China, Tibet and Mongolia

Gongsun Yan

189 CE – 238 CE · capital Xiangping

A semi-independent regime in Liaodong that held the north-east for three generations and stretched into Korea, until Sima Yi destroyed it in 238.

Origins

In 189, as the Han Dynasty disintegrated, Gongsun Du was appointed governor of Liaodong and quickly made himself its independent master, ruling from Xiangping (Liaoyang). He expanded against Goguryeo and the Wuhuan and controlled the Han commanderies in northern Korea.

Rule and society

His son Gongsun Kang created Daifang Commandery south of Lelang around 204 and in 207 sent Cao Cao the heads of the fugitive Yuan brothers, buying recognition. The regime controlled trade routes to Korea and Japan. Gongsun Yuan, who seized power in 228, courted Eastern Wu, then killed its envoys to please Cao Wei, and in 237 proclaimed himself King of Yan.

Decline and legacy

In 238 Cao Wei sent Sima Yi, who besieged Xiangping, captured and executed Gongsun Yuan and massacred thousands of men. Wei took over Lelang and Daifang, opening direct contact with the Wa of Japan.

Connections (3)

  • Gongsun Yan was a vassal of Han Dynasty189 CE – 220 CE
  • Gongsun Yan was a vassal of Cao Wei220 CE – 237 CE
  • Gongsun Yan was conquered by Cao Wei238 CE

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Cite this page
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Gongsun Yan. In The Epoch Institute States Register. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/gongsun-yan
MLA
“Gongsun Yan.” The Epoch Institute States Register, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/gongsun-yan. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Gongsun Yan.” The Epoch Institute States Register. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/gongsun-yan.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Gongsun Yan’, The Epoch Institute States Register. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/gongsun-yan (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random state ↻