Battle of Ningyuan
1626 · Xingcheng (Ningyuan), Liaoning · China · Early modern
Yuan Chonghuan cleared the countryside and held the isolated city behind strong walls, bombarding the Later Jin assault troops with new "red barbarian" cannon; Nurhaci's assault failed, and he himself was wounded in the battle and died of illness soon after.
Belligerents
Ming
- Commanders
- Yuan Chonghuan
- Strength
- Over 10,000 Ming troops holding a strong city with powerful cannons
Later Jin
- Commanders
- Nurhaci
- Strength
- Later Jin Eight Banners elite, said to number 130,000
Background
Year after year the Later Jin raided Ming strongholds in Liaodong; Nurhaci led his army to close in on Ningyuan, aiming to seize this key position beyond the pass in one stroke.
Course of the battle
- Holding firm behind strong wallsYuan Chonghuan refused to abandon the city and retreat, leading soldiers and civilians to hold the isolated city to the death.
- Red Barbarian cannon fireNewly purchased "red barbarian" cannon bombarded the Later Jin assault troops.
- Later Jin withdrawsNurhaci suffered a setback and was wounded, and the Later Jin was forced to lift the siege.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1626 |
|---|---|
| Place | Xingcheng (Ningyuan), Liaoning |
| Result | Yuan Chonghuan cleared the countryside and held the isolated city behind strong walls, bombarding the Later Jin assault troops with new "red barbarian" cannon; Nurhaci's assault failed, and he himself was wounded in the battle and died of illness soon after. |
| Winner | Ming |
| Casualties | The Later Jin assault troops suffered heavy casualties, and Nurhaci himself was wounded. |
| Territorial change | The Later Jin drive south was checked, and the Ming was able to stabilize its defense line in western Liaodong for the time being. |
Impact
This was the first time the Ming army defeated Nurhaci in a head-on engagement, and from then on the "red barbarian cannon" became key equipment in the wars between the Ming and the Qing.
See the world in 1626 on the map →