The Battle of Shanhai Pass was a pivotal military engagement that took place between Manchu forces led by Regent Dorgon and the rebel leader Li Zicheng, who commanded the Shun dynasty's troops. The conflict arose amidst the broader collapse of the Ming dynasty, which had led to widespread anarchy and the emergence of various rebel factions vying for power. Dorgon, representing the Manchu, aimed to secure a foothold in China and ultimately establish the Qing dynasty's rule. In the encounter at Shanhai Pass, the Manchu forces outmaneuvered and defeated Li's troops with strategic prowess, securing a key pass that opened the route to Beijing.

Following their victory, the Manchus rapidly advanced towards Beijing, taking advantage of the disarray within the capital after its fall to Li Zicheng's forces earlier. The city, having been under siege, succumbed to Dorgon's forces shortly thereafter. The Manchus entered Beijing in June, marking the beginning of their rule over China and the end of the Shun dynasty's brief reign. Dorgon's success at Shanhai Pass not only allowed his forces to capture the capital, but it also signified the transition of power from native Han Chinese leadership to foreign Manchu control, drastically altering China's political landscape.

The Manchu conquest of Beijing ushered in the Qing dynasty, which would last until the early 20th century. This victory solidified the Manchus' foothold in China and represented the culmination of their long-term strategy to assimilate and govern the vast territory. The Qing dynasty would go on to expand China's borders and influence significantly, setting the course for centuries of imperial rule.