Genghis Khan's First Campaign against Jin

Timeline

1. 1211Kerulen River southward route · East AsiaAbout a hundred thousand Mongols moved south; Genghis Khan personally led the center against Jin's northern line, while ordering Jochi, Chagatai, and Ögedei to lead the western column against Yunzhong and Shuozhou to sever Jin's east-west coordination. Altan of the Ongud also provided guides and support.
2. 1211Western Capital Circuit · North ChinaThe western column successively took Fengzhou, Yunnedong, Dongsheng, Wuzhou, Shuozhou and other cities, reaching Western Capital Datong. Jin general Hesheli Zhizhong abandoned the city and fled west; the Mongols plundered and returned, effectively tying down Jin's western reinforcements.
3. 1211Wusha Fortress—Yehuling—Huihe Fortress line · North ChinaGenghis Khan's central army broke through Wusha Fortress and Yehuling in succession, destroying over four hundred thousand Jin troops, capturing Xuanzhou; in October they crossed the Juyong and Zijing passes, with Jebe's vanguard reaching the walls of Jin's Zhongjing, shaking the Jin court.
4. 1211–1212Zhongjing, Dading Prefecture · NortheastThe Mongols turned on Jin's Zhongjing, where defender Wanyan Tianji set an ambush that heavily damaged the cavalry entering the city. Jin forces night-attacked the Mongol camp, and Genghis Khan was forced to withdraw north in spring 1212; the first campaign against Jin focused on plunder and intimidation rather than holding cities.