Battle of Heshangyuan
1131 · Heshangyuan, near Dasan Pass, Baoji, Shaanxi · China · Early modern
Wu Jie laid an ambush at a strong position, meeting the Jin cavalry charges with volley after volley from powerful crossbows and bows; the Jin army attacked for a long time without success and withdrew after heavy casualties.
Belligerents
Southern Song
- Commanders
- Wu Jie, Wu Lin
- Strength
- Song troops hold strong terrain, outnumbered
Jin
- Commanders
- Wanyan Wuzhu
- Strength
- Elite Jin cavalry, aiming to seize the gateway into Sichuan
Background
The Jin army planned to enter Sichuan by way of Shaanxi; Wu Jie and his brother held the strategic pass of Heshangyuan to blunt its advance.
Course of the battle
- Fortifying strong terrainWu Jie deployed and laid ambushes using the mountain passes.
- Relay volleys to meet the enemyPowerful bows and crossbows fired in rotation at the charging Jin cavalry.
- Jin army falls back in defeatWith casualties mounting, the Jin army was forced to withdraw.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1131 |
|---|---|
| Place | Heshangyuan, near Dasan Pass, Baoji, Shaanxi |
| Result | Wu Jie laid an ambush at a strong position, meeting the Jin cavalry charges with volley after volley from powerful crossbows and bows; the Jin army attacked for a long time without success and withdrew after heavy casualties. |
| Winner | Southern Song |
| Casualties | Several Jin generals were wounded, and the elite cavalry suffered significant losses. |
| Territorial change | The Jin attempt to seize the Sichuan–Shaanxi route into Sichuan was thwarted, and the Southern Song's western defense line was secured. |
Impact
It secured the Southern Song's Sichuan–Shaanxi defense line, making it hard for the Jin army thereafter to threaten the Sichuan heartland from the west.
See the world in 1131 on the map →