Song-Liao Border Conflict and Negotiations (1101)

Timeline

1. 1101Huntong River traveling palace (Liao) / Bianjing (Song) · ChinaLiao Emperor Daozong Yelu Hongji died in January at the Huntong River traveling palace; imperial grandson Yelu Yanxi succeeded, changing the era name to Qiantong in February. Northern Song Emperor Huizong had begun the Jianzhong Jingguo reign; both sides exchanged New Year and reciprocal envoys per Chanyuan Treaty precedent, with annual tribute and diplomatic exchange proceeding as usual.
2. 1101Xiongzhou–Zhuozhou frontier (Bai River, Juma River area) · Baoding CityThe Song-Liao Hebei boundary repeatedly saw disputes over boundary markers and the 'double-payment' farmland custom: cross-border farming, fishing, and grazing by frontier folk often triggered local legal exchanges. Northern Song frontier officials had to follow the oath-treaty constraints, usually handling matters through negotiation and boundary re-inspection to avoid escalation into major war.
3. 1101Song-Liao border markets · Hebei ProvinceIn 1101 Song still paid annual tribute as agreed, and border market trade continued. Liao envoys' post road, rerouted due to the Yellow River's course change, ran via Cizhou, Xiangzhou, Xingzhou, Zhaozhou to Yingzhou. Local border conflicts did not interrupt diplomatic exchange or trade; the two states largely maintained peaceful coexistence under the name of 'brother states.'