In people's usual consciousness, "Zhao Yan" is often another name for Hebei. In fact, the ancient land of "Zhao Yan" also includes Beijing, Tianjin, Liaoning, Shaanxi, northern Henan, southern Inner Mongolia, and some areas around Zhao Yan, north of Datong River in North Korea.

The ancient Yanzhao culture and simple and unrestrained folk customs have created Zhao Yan's chivalrous demeanor passed down from generation to generation. Geography of Sui Shu calls it "elegy and generosity", "vulgar chivalry" and "since ancient times, all those who have said that they are brave have lived in seclusion"; Han Yu, known as the head of the eight masters in Tang and Song Dynasties, famously said, "Yanzhao is generous and sorrowful"; Su Dongpo, a great writer in the Song Dynasty, once praised: "Since ancient times, there have been many heroes in the land of secluded swallows, and famous writers have always been there."