Battle of Shanhai Pass
Shanhai Pass, eastern end of the Great Wall, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
What happened
The Ming general Wu Sangui and the Qing (Manchu) prince-regent Dorgon fought the rebel leader Li Zicheng of the Shun dynasty. In 1644 Li Zicheng's rebels captured Beijing, and the last Ming emperor died. Wu Sangui, guarding the Great Wall at Shanhai Pass, opened the gate to the Qing and asked for their help. When Li attacked, Wu's army was struggling until a sandstorm swept the field and the Qing cavalry charged, breaking Li's army.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It opened the way for the Qing to enter China and take Beijing. The Qing dynasty went on to rule China until 1912.
What came next
Li Zicheng fled Beijing, and the Qing took the city. Wu Sangui later rebelled against the Qing in 1673.
Did you know?
Wu Sangui's soldiers tied white cloth to their backs so the Qing troops could tell them apart from the rebels.
Timeline
- Late April 1644Li Zicheng's rebels capture Beijing.
- 22 May 1644Wu Sangui opens Shanhai Pass to the Qing.
- 27 May 1644The Qing and Wu Sangui defeat Li Zicheng.
- 1673Wu Sangui rebels against the Qing.
- 1912The Qing dynasty ends.