The Former Liang (320–376) is a state of the Sixteen Kingdoms during the Jin dynasty (265–420) in China.

It is founded by the Zhang family of the Han Chinese.

Its territories include present-day Gansu and parts of Ningxia, Shaanxi, Qinghai and Xinjiang.All rulers of the Former Liang remain largely titularly under the court of the Jin dynasty as the Duke of Xiping, except Zhang Zuo who proclaims himself "wang" (prince/king).

However, at times the other Former Liang rulers also use the wang title when imposed on them when they are forced to submit to Han Zhao, Later Zhao, or Former Qin.In 327, the Gaochang commandery is created by the Former Liang under the Han Chinese ruler Zhang Gui.

After this, significant Han Chinese settlement occurs in Gaochang, a large part of the population becoming Chinese.

In 383, the General Lu Guang of the Former Qin seizes control of the region.