Wancheng (宛城) was the county seat of Nanyang Commandery in Jing Province, corresponding to part of modern Nanyang in Henan. It guarded routes between the central plains and the upper Han River basin.
In 197 Cao Cao camped near Wancheng after forcing Zhang Xiu to submit. When relations broke down, Zhang Xiu launched a night attack; in the fighting Dian Wei held the gate and died, and Cao Ang, Cao Cao’s eldest son, was also killed while covering his father’s escape. The setback at Wancheng became one of the best-known reverses of Cao Cao’s career.