It was created on 4 October 1999 by the separation of what were formerly the eastern districts of Batang Hari Regency.

It surrounds on all sides the major city of Jambi, the provincial capital, and includes many of the expanding suburbs of Jambi outside the city boundaries; consequently it has experienced population growth greater than elsewhere in the province.

[1] At the time of the 2010 census, the regency was divided into eight districts (kecamatan): Jambi Luar Kota (Jambi city's suburbs), Kumpeh, Kumpeh Ulu, Maro Sebo, Mestong, Sekernan, Sungai Bahar (Bahar River) and Sungai Gelam (Gelam River).

Located within this regency, the Muaro Jambi Temple Compounds is one of the largest archaeological complex in Sumatra.

The archaeological site is located some 22 km downstream from the modern capital, on the opposite bank, it has the ancient Hindu Candi and Menapo or brick-built temples and canals.