Editing Chu–Han Contention (section)

== End of the war ==
In 203&nbsp;BCE, while Xiang Yu was retreating eastward, Liu Bang, acting on the advice of [[Zhang Liang (Western Han)|Zhang Liang]] and [[Chen Ping (Han dynasty)|Chen Ping]], renounced the Treaty of Hong Canal and ordered an attack on Xiang Yu. He also requested assistance from [[Han Xin]] and [[Peng Yue]] to attack Xiang Yu simultaneously from three directions. However, as Han Xin and Peng Yue did not mobilise their troops, Liu Bang was defeated by Xiang Yu at Guling ({{zhi|c=固陵}}; south of present-day [[Taikang County]], Henan) and forced to retreat and reinforce his defences. At the same time, he sent messengers to Han Xin and Peng Yue again, promising them land and titles if they joined him in attacking Xiang Yu.

=== Battle of Gaixia ===
{{main|Battle of Gaixia}}

In December 203&nbsp;BCE, Liu Bang, Han Xin and Peng Yue attacked Xiang Yu from three directions. Running low on supplies, Xiang Yu and his forces found themselves surrounded by Han forces in Gaixia ({{zhi|c=垓下}}; southeast of present-day [[Lingbi County]], Anhui). Han Xin ordered his troops to sing Chu folk songs to create the impression that Chu territories had surrendered to Han forces and now many Chu men had joined the Han side. The morale of Xiang Yu's forces plummeted and many of his soldiers deserted.

Xiang Yu attempted to break out the siege and was left with only 28 men when he reached the northern bank of the Wu River ({{zhi|c=烏江}}; near present-day [[He County]], Anhui). He made a last stand and managed to slay hundreds of Han soldiers before he was eventually overwhelmed and ended up committing suicide by slitting his throat.