The Song dynasty's use of gunpowder-armed paddle-wheel warships at Caishi halted the Jin invasion across the Yangzi River in 1161.
Key Facts
- Date
- November 26–27, 1161
- Conflict
- Jin–Song Wars
- Outcome
- Decisive Song victory
- Key weapon
- Gunpowder incendiary bombs launched by trebuchet
- Song fleet type
- Paddle-wheel warships
- Song commander
- Yu Yunwen (field); Chen Kangbo (strategic)
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Wanyan Liang, emperor of the Jurchen-led Jin dynasty, launched a military campaign to cross the Yangzi River and attack the Southern Song dynasty, seeking to extend Jin control into southern China during the broader Jin–Song Wars.
On November 26–27, 1161, Song naval forces under civil official Yu Yunwen, guided strategically by Prime Minister Chen Kangbo, engaged the Jin fleet at Caishi. Song paddle-wheel warships deployed trebuchets firing gunpowder and lime incendiary bombs, overwhelming the lighter Jin vessels.
The Song forces achieved a decisive victory, repelling the Jin crossing of the Yangzi River. The battle demonstrated the military effectiveness of gunpowder weapons in naval warfare and preserved Southern Song territorial integrity against the Jin advance.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Yu Yunwen, Chen Kangbo.
Side B
1 belligerent
Wanyan Liang.