In 1644, Li Zicheng established the Da Shun government in Xi’an and divided his forces into two branches in preparation for taking over Beijing.  The Southern Branch was led by one of his commanders Liu Fangliang, and was ordered to conquer the cities of Daming and Zhending (within the Hebei Province today).  Li and another commander Liu Zongmin led the Northern Branch. The Northern Branch failed to breach Badaling Pass; therefore, it altered its military strategy and instead took over the Shixia Pass. Shixia Pass (where you are right now) was breached by Li’s force on March 14^th.  The two branches joined forces on the 17^th outside of Beijing, and the city was breached on the 19^th.  Thus the Ming Dynasty ended. Shuntian Barrack was the barrack set up by Li’s forces when he took over Shixia Pass.