Hexi Campaign
121 BCE · Hexi Corridor (around present-day Wuwei and Zhangye, Gansu) · China · Ancient
Huo Qubing led two expeditions into Hexi, crushing the Xiongnu forces of King Hunye and King Xiuchu; King Hunye surrendered to the Han with his people
Belligerents
Han
- Commanders
- Huo Qubing
- Strength
- About 10,000 to several tens of thousands of cavalry (two sorties)
Xiongnu
- Commanders
- King Hunye, King Xiuchu
- Strength
- Xiongnu forces in Hexi, size unknown
Background
To open the way to the Western Regions and sever the Xiongnu's right arm, Emperor Wu of Han ordered Huo Qubing to lead light cavalry on two successive deep campaigns into Hexi.
Course of the battle
- Spring offensiveHuo Qubing set out from Longxi with light cavalry, fighting across Hexi for six days and defeating five kingdoms
- Summer campaignIn his second sortie toward the Qilian Mountains, Huo Qubing advanced even deeper and dealt the Xiongnu a heavy blow
- King Hunye surrenders to HanKing Hunye killed King Xiuchu and then surrendered to the Han with tens of thousands of followers
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 121 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Hexi Corridor (around present-day Wuwei and Zhangye, Gansu) |
| Result | Huo Qubing led two expeditions into Hexi, crushing the Xiongnu forces of King Hunye and King Xiuchu; King Hunye surrendered to the Han with his people |
| Winner | Han |
| Casualties | The Xiongnu in Hexi suffered heavy losses, and King Xiuchu was killed |
| Territorial change | The Han dynasty gained the Hexi Corridor, established the Four Commanderies of Hexi, and cut the link between the Xiongnu and the Qiang |
Impact
This established Han control over the Hexi Corridor, laying the foundation for opening the Western Regions and severing the Xiongnu's right arm.
See the world in 121 BCE on the map →