Yuan Chonghuan (1584-1630) was born in Dongguan, Guangdong Province. He moved to Tengxian County, Guangxi Province later on.

In 1619, Yuan Chonghuan became a metropolitan graduate (Jinshi) after taking the imperial examinations. He was appointed as the magistrate of Zhaowu County, Fujian Province. Later, concerned about the safety of frontiers in Liaoning and Xinjiang provinces, he renounced the pen and joined the army. He was promoted as Defense Minister in charge of the divisions in Jiliao. In 1629, the forces led by Huangtaiji bypassed the defensive area of Yuan Chonghuan, conquered Zunhua and approached the city wall of Beijing. At this news, Yuan Chonghuan and his forces galloped all the way round in the night to lend a helping hand. He won the battles of Guangqumen Gate and Zuoanmen Gate and therefore rescued Beijing from the emergency.

However, Emperor Chongzheng was later convinced by the eunuch faction that Yuan Chonghuan was engaged in secret correspondence with Later Jin. Therefore Yuan Chonghuan was executed by the emperor, which turned out to be a plot Huangtaiji planned to sow distrust among them.