The history of Jinzhong can be traced back to thirty thousand years ago. In the late years of the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC), cities and towns had taken shape in this area. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC), county level administrative units started to be established in Jinzhong. Since the Eastern Han Dynasty (25AD-220AD), shires and prefectures have appeared. Historically, this region was usually subordinate to Taiyuan, Fenzhou or other prefectures. Physical Features: Jingzhong lies in the middle section of the Taihang Mountains, eastern Taiyuan (Jinzhong) Basin. The Taihang Mountains, Qinlu Plateau, Taiyue Mountains and Taiyuan Basin stand east-west constituting the basic setup of Jinzhong's terrain. Mountainous terrain occupies over eighty percent of the city's territory. Enjoying a temperate continental monsoon climate, Jinzhong has dry and chilly winters, torrid and wet summers.