The Battle of Yashan: The Tragic Song of the Zhao Song Dynasty's Fall

The Battle of Yashan shows the beleaguered Zhao-Song dynasty facing the powerful Jin and Yuan armies, and how men of principle strove to save a nation on the brink of collapse. Xin Qiji, Han Tuozhou, Li Tingzhi, and Wen Tianxiang all rose to the challenge and fought with their lives, yet none could turn the tide. In 1276, Emperor Gong of Song surrendered to the Yuan army with his officials, and Lin'an fell. In 1279, the Yuan army besieged Yashan. Lu Xiufu carried Emperor Bing of Song on his back and resolutely leapt into the sea, bringing the Song dynasty to an end. The Battle of Yashan tells the tragic story of the Zhao-Song dynasty's fall and reveals the Song dynasty's final spirit.