Subject is truly a good question, but is hard to give it an adequate answer.  Professor Li Ling of Peking University tries to do the job with the angle either of geographical history or of historical geography at http://www.guancha.cn/LiLing/2016_06_29_365748_5.shtml.  It may be a little hard and boring to you, but please read it with patience; it is really worth your while.