Jiyuan was a county belonging to Jiaozuo city in the past, then it was divided from the city. Jishui River, one of the ancient "Four Rivers" with the Yangzi River, Yellow River and Huai River, originates from Jiyuan, literally the source of Jishui, hence deriving its name. According to the latest archaeological findings, as early as around 10,000 years ago, precisely at the end of the Paleolithic Period and the beginning of the Neolithic Period, people have lived here. It used to be the capital of the Xia Dynasty and was well known for its wealth between the Period of Warring States and Han Dynasty.

The sub-prefecture-level city of Jiyuan administers 8 towns, 4 townships and 4 subdistricts. Jiyuan is named after the Ji river whose source is said to be a spring located on the west of the city.