Limahong facts for kids

Limahong, also known as Lim Hong or Lin Feng, was a powerful Chinese pirate and warlord. He was born on March 7, 1499. Limahong became famous for his many attacks on ports in southern China. In 1574, he sailed to the Philippine Islands and tried to invade the Spanish city of Manila. He tried twice but was not successful.

Limahong's Early Life and Raids

In the early 1500s, pirate groups called Wokou caused big problems along China's coast. These groups were often merchants who also acted as pirates. They built large trading ships and secretly traded between Japan, China, and Korea.

Limahong was one of these powerful pirate leaders. He attacked the city of Shenquan in 1571. However, he was defeated in 1572 at Chenghai. This defeat forced him to escape to Luzon, an island in the Philippines.

Escaping the Chinese Navy

The Chinese navy tried to stop the pirates. General Liu Yaohui sent a fleet that temporarily chased Limahong away from his base in Luzon. But by 1574, Limahong was back to raiding ships along the Chinese coast.

Limahong then returned to Luzon. There, he captured a Chinese merchant ship that was trading with the Spanish. He stole their gold and silver. From this merchant, Limahong learned that the Spanish in Manila had even more treasure. He decided to attack them.

Journey to Manila

Limahong gathered a large fleet of 62 to 70 ships. He had about 3,000 pirates and 400 Japanese soldiers. They set sail for Manila. On their way, they met a Spanish ship called a galiot. This ship was carrying supplies for Juan de Salcedo and his men.

Limahong's forces quickly took over the galiot. They killed the 22 Spanish soldiers on board and captured their small cannon. Juan de Salcedo realized Limahong was planning a big attack. He sent a small group ahead to Manila to warn everyone. Salcedo also promised that he and his men were coming to help.

The Attack on Manila (1574)

Don Galo-Limahong Monument in Parañaque, marking the battle on November 30, 1574.

Limahong's men arrived near Manila on November 29, 1574. The next day, 700 of his men landed on the shore. They wore cotton armor and bamboo helmets. They carried weapons like pikes, guns, axes, and daggers. They walked barefoot towards the city.

They reached Manila around 10 AM. Luckily for the Spanish, Limahong's men first met the Spanish camp leader, Martin de Goiti. He bravely fought but lost his life. This fight gave the Spanish defenders time to get ready.

First Battle on the Beach

Captains Velasquez and Chacon quickly brought their men to the beach. They fought the pirates there. The Chinese lost 80 men, while the Spanish lost 14. The pirates had to retreat to their boats. They went back to Limahong, who had set up his base in the port of Cavite. Limahong decided to rest for a day before attacking again.

During this time, the Spanish quickly built a strong wooden fence, called a palisade, for defense. Juan de Salcedo also arrived with 50 more men to help.

Second Attack and Retreat

On the third day, Limahong's entire fleet appeared offshore. They fired three rounds from their cannons. Then, they sent men ashore to attack the Spanish fort. About 80 Chinese soldiers managed to get inside the fort. However, they were quickly killed.

This forced another Chinese retreat. Before leaving, they managed to burn the San Agustin Church and a Spanish ship. At the same time, the Spanish also had to deal with a local uprising.

Limahong's men retreated again. His fleet then sailed away towards Ylocos. They left behind more than 200 dead Chinese soldiers. The local uprising also quickly ended. The Spanish had three men killed and several wounded.

Limahong in Pangasinan

After his defeat in Manila, Limahong went to Pangasinan. He decided to settle there. He built a fort with walls made from palm logs. He also built a smaller fort nearby using palm planks. Limahong captured several local village chiefs. He forced the villagers to provide him with food and supplies.

Spanish Counter-Attack

Juan de Salcedo was made the new camp leader. The Spanish built a stronger fort to protect Manila. They also planned an expedition to fight Limahong. Salcedo's group had 256 Spanish soldiers and 2,500 local allies. They sailed on March 23, 1575, with 59 ships.

They arrived in Pangasinan on March 30. Salcedo blocked the Agno River to stop Limahong's ships. He landed his men and cannons. Captains Pedro de Chaves and Chacon went up the river in small boats to capture any Chinese boats. Captain Ribera and 28 men attacked Limahong's fort from the land.

The Siege of Limahong's Fort

At the same time, 35 Chinese ships were leaving to find supplies. When Limahong's men saw the Spanish, they panicked. They ran back to their fort, leaving their ships behind. The Spanish quickly burned these abandoned ships.

Captain Ribera successfully entered Limahong's fort. He captured 100 women and children. However, night was coming, so the Spanish had to retreat. The Chinese were able to regroup. A long siege began, lasting four months.

During the siege, Limahong used the time to build 30 new ships inside his fort. On August 4, Limahong and his remaining forces managed to escape by sea.

Chinese Fleet Arrives

Just before Limahong escaped, a Chinese fleet arrived. It was led by Wang Wanggao. His mission was to spy on Limahong. When Wang saw that Limahong was surrounded, he sailed back to China with the news. He also took some Spanish people, including some priests, with him.

What Happened Next?

After escaping Pangasinan, Limahong and the rest of his forces joined up with other pirates, Li Mao and Chen Dele. They continued to raid the South China coast in 1589. After that, no more was heard about Limahong.

Popular Culture

Limahong is mentioned in:

• Walter Robb's essay Walls of Manila.
• René Jouglet's adventure novel, La ville perdue (1936).

See also

In Spanish: Limahon para niños