Liu Ting

Liu Ting (劉綎, 1558–1619) was a distinguished Ming dynasty general renowned for his courage, battlefield experience and skill in leading troops. A veteran of numerous military campaigns, he served during the reigns of the Wanli Emperor and became particularly famous for his role in the Imjin War, when Ming forces intervened to support Joseon Korea against the Japanese invasion. He was also associated with the use of the formidable Da Dao (大刀), or great saber, which became part of his martial reputation.

Liu Ting earned the nickname Liu the Great Saber (劉大刀), traditionally associated with his enormous 120-jin weapon. His military career took him from campaigns in the southwestern frontier to the battlefields of Korea and the suppression of the Bozhou rebellion. In 1619, he led Ming and Joseon forces against the Later Jin during the Battle of Sarhu campaign, where he ultimately fell in battle. Remembered as a courageous and battle-hardened commander, Liu Ting represents the fighting spirit of the late Ming military.