Mongol Conquest of the Dali Kingdom

Timeline

1. 1253Yunnan · YunnanTo prepare a southern campaign against the Southern Song, Möngke Khan ordered Kublai to lead a western expedition against Dali. Kublai set out from the northwest, entered Yunnan via Sichuan, and advanced along multiple routes, avoiding frontal passes and penetrating deep into Yunnan, laying the groundwork for capturing the Dali capital.
2. 1253Jianchuan · YunnanThe Mongol army reached the Jianchuan area, where Dali's powerful minister Gao Xiang resisted with troops. In the ensuing battle Gao Xiang was defeated and drowned fleeing to the Yage River (Jinsha River). This battle shattered Dali's strongest military defense, opening the gateway to the capital.
3. 1254Dali · YunnanThe Mongols besieged Dali city; the last king Duan Xingzhi abandoned it and fled to Shanchan (present-day Kunming). The Dali capital fell, and the Dali Kingdom founded by the Duan clan was effectively extinguished. Duan Xingzhi subsequently submitted to the Mongols, and Yunnan was incorporated into the Yuan ruling system.