Treaty of Shaoxing facts for kids

The Treaty of Shaoxing (pronounced Shao-shing) was a very important agreement signed in ancient China. It officially ended the big wars between two powerful empires: the Jin dynasty and the Southern Song dynasty. This treaty also set the official borders between their lands. It made the Song dynasty give up its claims to all the lands it used to control north of the Qinling Huaihe Line, including its old capital city, Kaifeng. After the treaty was signed, Emperor Gaozong of Song ordered the execution of a famous general named Yue Fei, who was against making peace with the Jin.

A map showing the Southern Song and Jin empires in 1142, after the Treaty of Shaoxing was signed.

What Was the Treaty of Shaoxing?

The Treaty of Shaoxing was a peace agreement signed in 1141. It was a big step to stop the fighting that had been going on for many years between the Jin and Song empires. This treaty was officially approved on October 11, 1142, when a special messenger from the Jin visited the Song court.

Key Agreements of the Treaty

The treaty had several important parts that both sides had to agree to:

• Ending the War: The main goal was to stop all military conflicts between the Jin and Southern Song dynasties.
• Setting Borders: It drew clear lines on the map, showing where the land of the Jin empire ended and the Southern Song empire began. The Song dynasty had to give up its claims to its old northern territories.
• Paying Tribute: The Southern Song dynasty agreed to pay a large amount of money and goods to the Jin every year. This payment was called a "tribute." They had to pay 250,000 taels (a type of ancient Chinese money) and 250,000 packs of silk each year. These payments continued until 1164, when another war started.
• Song as a Tributary State: Because the Song dynasty had to pay tribute, it became what is called a "quasi-tributary state" to the Jin dynasty. This meant the Song was still independent, but it had to show respect and pay money to the more powerful Jin.

Why Was the Treaty Signed?

The Jin–Song Wars had been going on for a long time and were very costly for both sides. The Song dynasty had lost a lot of land and resources. Signing the treaty was a way to bring peace and stability, even if it meant giving up some things. For the Song, it was a way to protect what was left of their empire.

Who Was Yue Fei?

General Yue Fei was a very brave and successful military leader for the Southern Song dynasty. He was known for his strong desire to fight the Jin and take back the lost northern territories. However, after the Treaty of Shaoxing was signed, Emperor Gaozong of Song ordered his execution. This was a very sad event for many people who admired Yue Fei.

See also

• Alliance on the Sea
• History of the Song dynasty
• Jin–Song Wars
• List of treaties
• Timeline of the Jin–Song Wars