Zu Ti’s Northern Expedition (313–321 CE) refers to the military campaign led by the Eastern Jin general Zu Ti across the Yangtze River to recover the Central Plains from non-Han regimes following the collapse of the Western Jin.
Brief: This article narrates Zu Ti’s legendary Northern Expedition. After Western Jin fell, he led volunteers across the Yangtze, swearing an oath to reclaim the Central Plains. With clever tactics and benevolent rule, he liberated lands south of the Yellow River. Though unsupported by the court, his courage made him an icon of patriotism.