Yongxi Northern Expedition · Battle of Qigou Pass
986 CE · Qigou Pass, Zhuozhou, Hebei · China · Early modern
After advancing deep in isolation, the Song Eastern Route army had its supply line cut and was forced to turn back; on the way it was pursued, encircled and annihilated by the Liao army at Qigou Pass, suffering heavy losses.
Belligerents
Northern Song
- Commanders
- Cao Bin, Mi Xin
- Strength
- Main Song eastern column of several tens of thousands
Liao
- Commanders
- Yelü Xiuge
- Strength
- Liao light cavalry, skilled at raiding supply lines
Background
Emperor Taizong of Song again launched a great three-pronged northern expedition, hoping to seize back the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun while the Liao ruler was still a child.
Course of the battle
- Advance in three columnsThe Song army advanced north in three columns, with the eastern route bearing the brunt.
- Supply line cutHarassed by light Liao cavalry, the Eastern Route army had its supplies cut off and was forced to withdraw.
- Rout at QigouThe Liao army caught up with the withdrawing Song army and crushed it at Qigou Pass.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 986 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Qigou Pass, Zhuozhou, Hebei |
| Result | After advancing deep in isolation, the Song Eastern Route army had its supply line cut and was forced to turn back; on the way it was pursued, encircled and annihilated by the Liao army at Qigou Pass, suffering heavy losses. |
| Winner | Liao |
| Casualties | The Song eastern route was routed, with very many soldiers killed, wounded or captured. |
| Territorial change | Song's three-pronged northern expedition failed along the whole line, and the strategic aim of recovering the Yan and Yun region was essentially abandoned. |
Impact
Thereafter Song essentially gave up military efforts to recover the Yan and Yun region, turning to a frontier policy of defense instead of offense.
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