The Eastern Jin court at Jiankang
Turmoil in the north at the end of Western Jin brought substantial migration south. In 317 Sima Rui established a southern Jin government at Jiankang and later became emperor; this is known as Eastern Jin. Northern families and established southern powers both helped build the court. The Jinshu describes Wang Dao connecting Sima Rui with local figures as northern political traditions continued within new regional relationships.
Migration and southern production
Migrants brought people, labor and knowledge as southern farming and settlements developed. Resettlement, land organization, taxation and labor obligations created new relations between society and government. Northern elite lineages and local families found different positions through cooperation and competition. The south became more important politically and economically, supported by transport along the Yangzi and its tributaries.
Song, Qi, Liang and Chen
Liu Song replaced Eastern Jin in 420, followed by Southern Qi, Liang and Chen. Jiankang remained an important southern political center as courts distributed power among military leaders, elite families and officials. Separate governments ruled the north. Warfare coexisted with movements of people and culture, connecting southern history with northern developments as local life continued through dynastic changes.
References: [1]
Culture, religion and reunification
Southern cities and family culture supported literature, writing and religious activity. Buddhism developed through monasteries, translation and scholarly discussion. Works and intellectual connections circulated with travelers, contributing to varied cultural life. Sui conquered Chen in 589, ending prolonged north–south division. Southern social and cultural traditions continued within the reunited state.
References: [1]