During Qin and Han dynasties, Hun nomads became a threat to the people of Central Plain, launching numerous southward invasions. In its early years, Han Dynasty was not strong enough to repel Huns, so Han rulers resorted to the policy of heqin - peace through marriage ties, to pacify the borders. With the strengthening of the economic and military forces of Han Dynasty, the policy of appeasement was replaced by one of military pacification. By the end of the reign of Emperor Wudi, Han Dynasty had not intermarried with Huns for 80 years.

During the reign of Emperor Xuandi (74 - 49 BC), the power of Huns had declined drastically. At that time, two men contended for the title of khan, or paramount chief, of Huns. One of them, Huhanye by name, sought the help of Han Dynasty. He visited Chang'an twice, and pledge his allegiance to the emperor. He also expressed his willingness to help Han Dynasty guard the border areas. In 36 BC, Emperor Yuandi, Emperor Xuandi's successor, dispatched troops, which ensured Huhanye's victory. In 33 BC, Huhanye went to Chang'an for the third time, and offered to restore marrying a Han princes. Emperor Yuandi agreed immediately, and set about selecting a woman from his palace to marry Huhanye. A palace maid named Wang Zhaojun volunteered to marry Huhanye. The latter gave her the title Ninghuyanzhi, which signified that Huns would build peaceful and friendly relation with Han Dynasty.

Wang Zhaojun lived in Huns encampments for many years. Under her influence, her children and the people around her all did their best to maintain the good relations between Huns and Han Dynasty, which brought a rare period of stability to the northern border ares.