How did China try to keep Mongols from invading?

China employed various strategies to prevent or resist Mongol invasions:

1. Great Wall of China: China had constructed and maintained the Great Wall as a defensive barrier against nomadic invasions from the north. Although it was not impregnable, the Great Wall presented a significant obstacle to Mongol cavalry.

2. Tribute and Diplomacy: In an attempt to appease the Mongols, Chinese emperors often sent tribute payments, gifts, and diplomatic missions. By recognizing Mongol authority and fulfilling their demands, China hoped to avoid full-scale conflict.

3. Military Defenses: China invested in building fortifications, training soldiers, and developing military technologies. Song Dynasty (12th-13th centuries), in particular, focused on the defense of its southern territories, where the Mongols faced difficulties in their campaigns.

4. Alliances and Coalitions: China tried to form alliances with neighboring states, including Tibet and the Jin Dynasty (a Jurchen-led state in northern China). These alliances were attempts to create a united front against the Mongols and limit their expansion.

5. Urban Warfare: During their invasions, the Mongols often preferred open terrain for their cavalry tactics. Chinese cities were fortified, and citizens and soldiers would often engage in urban warfare to defend against Mongol attacks.

Despite these efforts, the Mongols were a highly skilled and persistent military power, and they eventually succeeded in conquering China. The Yuan Dynasty, established by the Mongol leader Kublai Khan, ruled China from 1279 to 1368.