Battle of Gaoliang River
979 CE · Gaoliang River outside Xizhimen, Beijing · China · Early modern
The Song army besieging Youzhou was already showing signs of fatigue when Liao reinforcements enveloped the Song camp on both flanks in a surprise attack; the Song army broke completely, and Emperor Taizong of Song, wounded by an arrow, fled south in panic in a donkey cart.
Belligerents
Northern Song
- Commanders
- Emperor Taizong of Song
- Strength
- The Song army, riding the momentum of its conquest of Northern Han, marched north, but the troops were exhausted
Liao
- Commanders
- Yelü Xiuge, Yelü Xiezhen
- Strength
- The Liao relief army arrived from the rear, fresh against a weary foe
Background
After destroying Northern Han, Emperor Taizong of Song rode the momentum of victory straight to Youzhou, hoping to recover in one stroke the Yan and Yun lands ceded during the Five Dynasties.
Course of the battle
- Siege of YouzhouThe Song army besieged the fortified city of Youzhou for a long time without taking it, and the troops grew exhausted.
- Liao pincer attackTwo relief armies under Yelü Xiuge and Yelü Xiezhen suddenly arrived and caught the Song camp in a pincer attack.
- Hasty retreat southThe Song army collapsed along the whole front, and Emperor Taizong of Song returned south wounded.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 979 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Gaoliang River outside Xizhimen, Beijing |
| Result | The Song army besieging Youzhou was already showing signs of fatigue when Liao reinforcements enveloped the Song camp on both flanks in a surprise attack; the Song army broke completely, and Emperor Taizong of Song, wounded by an arrow, fled south in panic in a donkey cart. |
| Winner | Liao |
| Casualties | The Song army suffered heavy losses, and many of its generals were killed, wounded or captured. |
| Territorial change | The Song attempt to recover the Yan and Yun region was thwarted, and thereafter Song took a defensive posture toward Liao. |
Impact
The first large-scale clash between Song and Liao over the Yan and Yun region; afterward the two sides were locked in a long tug-of-war until the Treaty of Chanyuan.
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