Ancient Battlefield of the Backwater Formation

Ancient Battlefield of the Backwater Formation

“A section of wheel ruts reflects profound cultural heritage — it’s unique in China and among the best in the world, a national treasure.” This was the remark made by the expert panel from the Ministry of Civil Affairs during their inspection of the Qinhuang Ancient Post Road in Jingxing as part of the “Millennium Ancient County” evaluation.

Historical documents note that during the Spring and Autumn Period, Jingxing already functioned as a route “leading westward and connecting east to the regions of Yan and Zhao.” After unifying China, Qin Shi Huang established a post road system centered on Xianyang, based on the pre-existing roads used by the six states. The ancient Jingxing post road was a key section of this network, historically referred to as the “Corridor between Yan and Jin,” and served as a vital hub for transportation and postal relay in its time.

Within the ancient post road, there remain two sets of wheel ruts over a thousand meters long and 50 centimeters deep. The distance between the ruts matches the wheel gauge of war chariots unearthed from the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, making them the only physical evidence in China for studying the Qin Dynasty’s historical policy of “uniform script and uniform wheel gauge.” Dr. Henry Cleere, Coordinator for World Heritage at the International Council on Monuments and Sites, remarked after inspecting the site that the existing Jingxing ancient post road predates the renowned Roman roads by over 100 years, and efforts should be made to include it in the World Heritage list as soon as possible.

“A park themed around the ‘Battle of the Backwater Formation’ is currently under preparation here.” At the massive stele inscribed with “Han Xin’s Military Discourse Site” in downtown Jingxing, a staff member from the local Civil Affairs Bureau told reporters. Nearby, a section of old buildings is currently being demolished.

In 204 BC, Han Xin led tens of thousands of Han soldiers and deployed his troops along the eastern bank of the Mian River in Jingxing with their backs to the water. “Putting them in a desperate situation to inspire survival, and placing them in a position of certain death to ensure victory,” he routed the Zhao army, which reportedly numbered 200,000, capturing King Xia of Zhao. This became known as the “Battle of the Backwater Formation.”

War drums echo for miles, as armies march through Jingxing (Poem by Wang Wei of the Tang Dynasty). Jingxing is not only an ancient battlefield with a long history; in fact, many notable modern battles also took place here, such as the Battle of the Gengzi Year where Chinese forces resisted the Franco-German allied army, the Jin-Feng Campaign, and the Hundred Regiments Offensive.