Battle of Ningyuan
Ningyuan (modern Xingcheng), Liaoning, China
What happened
Ming dynasty defenders under Yuan Chonghuan fought the Later Jin (Manchu) army of Nurhaci. For eight years the Manchu leader Nurhaci had been defeating Ming armies in the north-east. At the walled city of Ningyuan, Yuan Chonghuan mounted heavy cannons on the walls and prepared fire barriers. Nurhaci's attacks failed, he was wounded, and his army withdrew.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was Nurhaci's first major defeat and a rare Ming victory that stopped the Manchu advance for a time. It showed how cannons on strong walls could hold off a powerful army.
What came next
Nurhaci died eight months later, and his son Hong Taiji took over. The Manchus later founded the Qing dynasty and entered China in 1644.
Did you know?
Xingcheng's Ming city walls, built in 1428, are among the best-preserved original city walls in China.
Timeline
- 1428The city walls of Ningyuan (Xingcheng) are built.
- 2-10 February 1626Yuan Chonghuan holds Ningyuan against Nurhaci.
- 1626Nurhaci dies, and Hong Taiji succeeds him.
- 1644The Qing enter China through Shanhai Pass.