The Qin Clan#

Clan Name: Qin, pronounced as “qín”

Distribution of the Qin Clan#

• Tianshui Commandery: Established in the third year of the Yuanding era of the Western Han Dynasty, with its administrative center in Pingxiang.
• Taiyuan Commandery: Established in the fourth year of the reign of King Zhuangxiang of Qin during the Warring States period, with its administrative center in Jinyang.

Origins of the Qin Clan#

1. Derived from the Ji Clan: The clan name originated from the Ji surname. According to “Gujin Xingshu Bianzheng,” Bo Qin, a descendant of the Duke of Zhou, was granted a fief in the state of Lu. His descendants, who were high-ranking officials of the royal family, adopted the name of the fief, “Qin.”
2. Derived from the Ying Clan: Some members of the Qin clan took their surname from the Ying state. As recorded in “Yuanhe Xingzuan,” a descendant of Bo Yi was granted the fief of Qin by King Xiaowang of Zhou. After Emperor Qin Shi Huang conquered the six states, one of his descendants, Zi Ying, returned to the Han Dynasty and adopted the name of the state as their clan name.
3. The Ancient Qin Empire (Roman Empire): In 226 AD, a merchant from the ancient Qin Empire (the Roman Empire) traveled to the state of Wu and met with Sun Quan, sharing information about the culture and customs of the Qin Empire before returning to his homeland.

Migration and Distribution

During the Pre-Qin period, the Qin clan was mainly distributed in present-day Henan, Shaanxi, Shandong, Hubei, and Hebei provinces. In the early Western Han Dynasty, Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang followed the advice of Lou Jing and relocated prominent families from the east to populate the Guanzhong region. A branch of the Qin clan moved from Lu to Fufeng Maoling, where they became numerous and produced many officials. During the Western Han Dynasty, five members of the Qin clan simultaneously held the position of commandant, earning them the nickname “Wanshi Qin Clan” (meaning “Ten-Thousand-Stone Qin Clan”). At the end of the Qin Dynasty, some members of the Qin clan followed Liu Bang in his campaign against Xiang Yu and were granted the title of Marquis of Peng, indicating that some had migrated from Shandong to present-day Jiangsu.

From the Han Dynasty through the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Qin clan also spread to present-day Gansu, Sichuan, and Shanxi provinces. During the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, members of the Qin clan migrated to Guangxi, Anhui, Guizhou, Fujian, Beijing, Shanghai, and other regions. In modern times, their distribution has become even more widespread, with many members emigrating overseas.

Hall Names

• Sanxian Hall: This hall is named in honor of the four great sages from Confucius’ discipleship who were surnamed Qin: Qin Zu, Qin Shang, Qin Fei, and Qin Ran.
• Leshan Hall: Confucius praised the Qin clan for their kindness and love of goodness, hence the name “Leshan Hall.”
• Yangzhen Hall: The Qin clan valued virtue and the cultivation of one’s true nature, which is reflected in the name “Yangzhen Hall.”
• Zhongxiao Hall: Descendants of Qin Qiong, a founding hero of the Tang Dynasty known for his loyalty and filial piety, are honored with this name.
• Huaihai Hall: This hall is named after Qin Shaoyou, a poet from the Song Dynasty whose works, including “Huaihai Ji,” have been preserved to this day.
• Wulitang Hall: Qin Huitian, a minister of the Qing Dynasty who served for 30 years and wrote the “Wulitang” (Comprehensive Study of the Five Rites), is honored with this name.

Notable Figures with the Qin Surname

• Qin Guan (1049–1100): A poet from Gaoyou during the Northern Song Dynasty, known for his gentle and graceful style of poetry. He authored the “Huaihai Ji” (Collected Works of Huaihai).
• Qin Qiong (?–638): A famous general of the Tang Dynasty, known for his bravery and integrity. He was appointed as the commander of the cavalry and was ennobled as the Duke of Hu.
• Qin Hui (1090–1155): A notorious corrupt official of the Southern Song Dynasty who betrayed his country and collaborated with the Jin invaders. His descendants still feel ashamed of his actions.

Other Interesting Facts

• The term “three” in the names of some halls (e.g., “Sanxian Hall”) does not simply mean the numbers one, two, and three but indicates a large number.
• The Qin clan has a long history of contributing to literature and politics in China.