Guǎngníng

Guangning was a major fortified centre on the western approaches to Liaodong. Its Ming garrison town was rebuilt in 1390 on the site of older Liao, Jin and Yuan settlements. Military offices and schools made it a counterpart to Liaoyang across the Liao River. In 1622 Nurhaci's Later Jin forces crossed the river and attacked the outlying forts protecting Guangning. Ming relief forces were defeated, and the town was abandoned amid confusion. Its loss opened much of western Liaodong to the advancing army and forced the Ming commanders to retreat toward Shanhai Pass.