The authoritative fall of Guanggu, the capital of the Southern Yan dynasty, was a pivotal moment orchestrated by the Jin dynasty general Liu Yu. As part of the protracted conflict during the Era of the Sixteen Kingdoms, which was characterized by political fragmentation following the fall of the Western Jin, the Southern Yan became a notable player among the contending states. Under siege, Guanggu faced increasing pressure as Liu Yu leveraged his military acumen to dismantle the defenses of the city.

In a decisive encounter, the Jin forces employed a combination of skillful warfare tactics and resource mobilization to besiege the city, leading to its eventual fall. The pressures of internal strife within the Southern Yan, alongside Liu Yu's strategic ambition, culminated in a breach that allowed Jin troops to take control of Guanggu. Throughout this period, the Southern Yan, established by the aristocratic family of the Murong clan, fought fiercely to maintain their sovereignty, but ultimately, they could not withstand the military might of the Jin.

The fall of Guanggu not only symbolized the end of the Southern Yan dynasty but also altered the political landscape of northern China. Liu Yu's success marked the expansion of Jin influence, paving the way for future consolidations of power under his leadership and contributing to the eventual reunification efforts in China. This event is regarded as a significant downfall of one among several regional states, highlighting the perpetual struggles that defined this era of chaos.