Baidicheng (白帝城) was a fortress city perched on a hill overlooking the Yangtze River at the eastern entrance to the Sichuan basin (in modern Chongqing Municipality). Its strategic position made it a crucial defensive stronghold for any state controlling Yizhou.
Historical significance
Baidicheng had been fortified since the Western Han period. The city commanded the Qutang Gorge, the westernmost of the Three Gorges, through which all river traffic into Sichuan had to pass. This made it the eastern gateway to the region and a natural defensive position.
The Battle of Yiling
In 221, Liu Bei launched a massive campaign against Eastern Wu to avenge the death of Guan Yu and retake Jing Province. The campaign ended in disaster at the Battle of Yiling (221–222), where Wu’s commander Lu Meng and Lu Xun defeated the Shu forces. Liu Bei’s army was shattered, and he was forced to retreat.
Liu Bei’s final days
After the defeat, Liu Bei retreated to Baidicheng rather than returning to Chengdu. He remained there through 222 and into 223, too ashamed and ill to face his court. In spring 223, knowing he was dying, Liu Bei summoned Zhuge Liang from Chengdu.
The entrustment
On his deathbed, Liu Bei entrusted his young son Liu Shan to Zhuge Liang in what became known as the “entrustment of the orphan” (tuogu). Liu Bei reportedly told Zhuge Liang that if Liu Shan proved incompetent, Zhuge Liang could take the throne himself. Zhuge Liang tearfully pledged his loyalty. This moment became one of the most famous examples of ruler-minister trust in Chinese history.
After Liu Bei’s death
After Liu Bei died in May 223, Zhuge Liang escorted Liu Shan’s funeral barge back to Chengdu and began his regency. Baidicheng remained an important Shu fortress, guarding against Wu incursions from the east.
Modern Baidicheng
Today, Baidicheng is located in Fengjie County, Chongqing Municipality. The site is preserved as a historical monument and tourist attraction. However, the construction of the Three Gorges Dam has raised water levels, turning the hill into an island. The area remains one of the most famous Three Kingdoms historical sites in China.
References
- Chen Shou, Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志)
- Fan Ye, Book of the Later Han (后汉书)
- Sima Guang, Zizhi Tongjian (资治通鉴)
- de Crespigny, Rafe. A Biographical Dictionary of Later Han to the Three Kingdoms