In 1161, the Jin Dynasty laid siege to Ningxia, a strategic city in modern-day China. This conflict was part of the ongoing struggle between the Jin and the Song Dynasties, which shaped the political landscape of the region. The siege highlighted the tensions between these two powers, influencing the cultural and literary narratives of the time as poets reflected on themes of conflict and resilience.

The siege inspired poets like Su Shi, who wrote about the struggles of the Song Dynasty in his works. The themes of loss and perseverance in poetry from this period often echo the sentiments of those affected by the siege, marking a significant moment in the evolution of Chinese poetry that emphasized personal and national identity.