1661: Zheng Chenggong Reclaims Taiwan

Three hundred years ago, he took back an island in just nine months. In the spring of 1661, on the coast of Xiamen, Zheng Chenggong defied his generals’ objections and resolved to launch an eastward campaign. Storms, fortifications, dwindling provisions: every step seemed to lead to certain death. But he had to go. His father, Zheng Zhilong, had surrendered to the Qing and been imprisoned. His mother had died by the Qing soldiers’ blades. After sixteen years resisting the Qing, his army of 170,000 had been routed beneath the walls of Nanjing. The tiny island of Xiamen could not hold out for three months. Taiwan was his last refuge, and a land where the Han people had suffered under Dutch rule for thirty-eight years. Chen Ze wanted revenge for the younger brother he had lost in Nanjing. He Bin had endured thirty years in Taiwan before risking his life to bring them a map. Zhou Quanbin said, “The Dutch devils are exactly who I’m here to fight.” Wu Hao knelt on the ground, trembling. “I’m afraid all our men will die at sea.” From the crashing waves at Luermen to the bloody battle at Beixianwei; from the despair of a nine-month siege to the final bombardment of Fort Utrecht... In February 1662, Koxinga held out his sword in both hands and presented it to Zheng Chenggong. The Dutch flag came down. Taiwan was home again. This is a story about conviction, sacrifice, and coming home. The people of four hundred years ago were just like you and me today: they were afraid, they cried, and they missed home. But they stood up all the same. Some lands must never be lost.