Its capital was Dengzhi City (west of modern day Jiuzhaigou County, Sichuan), and their rulers all had the surname "Xiang" (像/象).

According to the Book of Zhou, Dengzhi was first founded by Xiang Shuzhi, a Qiang chieftain who ruled over the Bai River or Baishui (白水) and later proclaimed himself king.

The city of Dengzhi was located north of the river and was named after the Cao Wei dynasty military general, Deng Ai, who once came to the area during the Conquest of Shu Han.

During the reign of Xiang Shupeng, he actively pursued diplomatic relations with the Southern Qi, Northern Wei and Liang dynasties, receiving various titles in return.

The Book of Liang records that the Dengzhi people wore hats called "Tuhe" (突何) and their clothes were the similar to those of the Dangchang, a neighbouring Qiang kingdom to the north.