Gunpowder Formula and the Start of Military Use

Timeline

1. c. 850–903Areas of alchemist activity in the Central Plains and Jiangnan · Central PlainsLate Tang alchemists and physicians already used saltpeter, sulfur, charcoal, and other materials in elixir and gunpowder recipes, calling them 'gunpowder' or 'gunpowder methods'. Formulas of this period emphasized combustion and pyrotechnic effects, and no stable military production system had yet formed, but they laid the material foundation for later weaponization.
2. 904–918Yuzhang (Nanchang) · JiangxiIn 904, Zheng Fan, a subordinate general of Yang Xingmi, attacked the Longsha Gate of Yuzhang and burned into the city with 'flying fire'; records may indicate early combat use of gunpowder incendiary weapons. Around the same time, various regional regimes gradually experimented with fire balls, fire arrows, and other incendiary devices in siege warfare, with formulas still dominated by a high proportion of fuel and limited explosive power.
3. 919–1000Langshan River (near present-day Nantong, Jiangsu) · JiangsuIn 919, Qian Liu of Wuyue used fire oil to burn the enemy fleet at the Battle of Langshan River, combined with slow-burning ignition devices, regarded as an important milestone in gunpowder weaponization. From then until the end of the tenth century, the states of Jiangnan continuously adjusted saltpeter ratios in incendiary devices; fire arrows and fire balls became standard equipment for city defense and navies, with formula knowledge accumulating orally among military offices.