Yan (state) - Definition and Overview

Yan (pinyin: yan1, simplified Chinese/traditional Chinese: 燕) was a state during the Western Zhao, Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods in China. Its capital was Ji (nowadays Beijing). As the most northeastern of all the Chinese states during this time period, it suffered several invasions from the north. The states of Zhao and Qi were its main enemies, and Zhao in particular launched several invasions. Still, it survived through most of the Warring States period. In 227 BC, the Yan Prince Dan sent an assassin named Jing Ke to kill King Shi Huangdi of Qin, without success.

In 222 BC it was conquered by Qin.