Battle of Huangtiandang
1130 · Huangtiandang, between Nanjing and Zhenjiang, Jiangsu · China · Early modern
With a small number of warships, Han Shizhong blockaded the Yangtze and trapped the withdrawing Jin army at Huangtiandang for more than 40 days; only by digging a canal and setting fires did the Jin army finally break out and return north.
Belligerents
Southern Song
- Commanders
- Han Shizhong, Liang Hongyu
- Strength
- The Song fleet of a few dozen warships, outnumbered
Jin
- Commanders
- Wanyan Wuzhu
- Strength
- Jin land and river forces of 100,000 withdraw north from Jiangnan
Background
After Wanyan Wuzhu's invasion force had driven deep into Jiangnan and was withdrawing north, Han Shizhong seized the chance to intercept it on the Yangtze with his fleet.
Course of the battle
- Ambush on the riverHan Shizhong held the key stretches of the river with a small number of warships.
- Encirclement for forty daysThe Jin fleet was trapped at Huangtiandang, unable to advance or retreat.
- Digging a canal to break outThe Jin army dug a new channel overnight and set fires to break out and withdraw north.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1130 |
|---|---|
| Place | Huangtiandang, between Nanjing and Zhenjiang, Jiangsu |
| Result | With a small number of warships, Han Shizhong blockaded the Yangtze and trapped the withdrawing Jin army at Huangtiandang for more than 40 days; only by digging a canal and setting fires did the Jin army finally break out and return north. |
| Winner | No decision |
| Casualties | The Jin fleet lost some of its warships, and its morale suffered while it was trapped. |
| Territorial change | For a long time afterward the Jin army made no further large-scale attempt to cross the Yangtze and invade the south, and the Southern Song gained confidence in its river defenses. |
Impact
With an outnumbered force, he dealt a heavy blow to the Jin army trying to cross the river, greatly boosting the Southern Song people's confidence in resisting the Jin.
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