In 916, the Shenyang region was ruled by the Liao dynasty and was known as the Shen Prefecture (瀋州; Shěn Zhōu) through to the end of Jin dynasty (who conquered the region in 1116), and became the Shenyang Circuit (瀋陽路; Shěnyáng Lù) during the Yuan dynasty.[17] During the Ming dynasty, it was designated as a "guard town" (militarized settlements, such as walled/heavily garrisoned cities or towns) named Shenyang Central Guard (瀋陽中衛; Shěnyáng Zhōngwèi) and gradually became one of the most important strongholds beyond the Shanhai Pass.