Fought near the confluence of the Grand Canal and Yangtze River, the battle effectively blocked operation of the Caoyun system, a transport network vital for the movement of grain throughout the empire.

As a result, the Daoguang Emperor decided to sue for peace and agreed to sign the Treaty of Nanking, which brought hostilities to an end.

[9] In mid-July, the British ships concentrated on Zhenjiang and blocked the route between the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal.

The Green Standard Army troops had travelled a long distance to reinforce the city and were tired from their journey, as well as lacking sufficient food.

The commander of Green Standard Army saw fires inside Zhenjiang and thought that the city had been lost, so he ordered the remaining soldiers to retreat.

After that, the British army sent another 200 marines to strengthen the land force and renew the attack on Zhenjiang, after which they successfully occupied some of the city buildings, fighting fierce street battles with the defenders.

After the British completed their seizure of the city, Hai Ling, the supreme commander of the Qing army, and his family, committed suicide.