Hongshanbao Relics in Lingwu City, Yinchuan

Hongshanbao (红山堡) is a historic fortress located in Lingwu City, Yinchuan, and is an essential part of China's Ming Dynasty Great Wall defense system. The site is a National 5A-rated scenic area, situated within the Shuidonggou Scenic Area (水洞沟) of Ningxia, China. The fortress is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Hongshanbao was originally built in 1503 during the Ming Dynasty under the direction of General Qin Hong (秦纮). It is named for the red-colored glow that the mountain receives at sunset. The fort has served both military and commercial purposes over the centuries, and today, it stands as a significant historical and cultural site.

Historical Significance and Military Function

Hongshanbao was initially constructed as a defensive fort in the Ming Dynasty, with the purpose of securing the northern borders against invasions. The fortress was strategically located along the Great Wall, and it played a critical role in the defense system, providing both military protection and serving as a trade passage during peaceful times.

Construction and Expansion: The original fortress, built in 1503, was square-shaped with walls 300 meters long. In 1521, during the reign of Emperor Zhengde (正德), it was expanded to a larger size, measuring 380 meters north-south and 320 meters east-west. The fortress housed a garrison of 251 soldiers.

Strategic Location: Hongshanbao was an important military post, located 35 kilometers northeast of Lingwu City, and adjacent to the northern section of the Ming Great Wall. It was part of a defensive system designed to protect the trade routes and prevent invasions from the northern nomadic tribes.

Defense System: The fortress was designed according to the Ming Dynasty defense strategy, with watchtowers (烽堠) positioned along the Great Wall. Hongshanbao controlled eight beacon towers, guarding approximately 30 miles of the Wall. Its military personnel were tasked with maintaining the defense and protecting the surrounding areas.

Architecture and Features

Hongshanbao is an impressive structure made of rammed earth and, in some places, reinforced with bricks. The fortress is square-shaped, with walls that are 7 meters wide at the base and 4 meters at the top, standing 8 meters tall.

Walls and Gates: The eastern wall has a gate that opens into a "moat city" (瓮城), which is also square and measures about 90 meters long. The city gates are made with ancient brick arches, which have endured the passage of time.

Interior Layout: Inside the fortress, you can find the foundations of ancient buildings, including military quarters, storage areas, and officer residences. The site also has many remnants of bricks and tiles from the Ming and Qing periods, offering a glimpse into the past.

Commercial and Trade Role

In peacetime, Hongshanbao was an important commercial hub along the Great Wall. It served as a meeting place for people from different ethnic groups to conduct trade. The fortress was strategically located along the "Ning Salt Highway" (宁盐大道), which connected the interior of Ningxia with the surrounding regions, facilitating trade and commerce.

Archaeological Discoveries and Current Status

Archaeological investigations at Hongshanbao have uncovered important artifacts and structural remains that provide valuable insights into its historical significance. Excavations have revealed items such as millstones, cooking pots, and other tools used by the soldiers stationed at the fortress.

Archaeological Findings: In 2007, archaeological teams discovered the remains of buildings and traces of fire in the northeast corner of the fortress. In 2015, artifacts such as stirrups, scales, and measuring tools were found, confirming that the fortress had served as a center for border trade.

Preservation and Development: Despite the passage of time and the effects of war, Hongshanbao remains remarkably intact. The fortress walls still stand tall, and much of the interior retains its historical charm. In 2020, the local government initiated a preservation project to protect and restore the site.

Cultural and Historical Value

Hongshanbao is not only a key part of the Ming Dynasty's military defense system but also a symbol of cultural exchange between various ethnic groups along the Great Wall. It offers a valuable opportunity to study the military strategies, architecture, and trade networks of the time.

Historical Research: Hongshanbao has been the subject of academic research, including a 1960 study by the famous historian Hou Renji (侯仁之), who published a paper on the site. The discovery of the nearby Cangbingdong Cave (藏兵洞) in 2006 confirmed that Hongshanbao, the Great Wall, and Cangbingdong formed a unified defense system during the Ming Dynasty.

Modern-Day Significance: Today, Hongshanbao is part of the larger Shuidonggou Scenic Area, which is gradually becoming a major tourist destination in Ningxia. The site's historical importance and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit location for those interested in Chinese history and military architecture.

Film and Media

In 2015, Hongshanbao was used as a filming location for the popular Chinese movie The Monkey King 3 (大话西游3), which brought additional attention to the site. The film featured stars such as Han Geng, Tang Yan, and Wu Jing, adding a layer of pop culture significance to this historical site.

Visitor Information

Location: Shuidonggou Scenic Area, Lingwu City, Yinchuan, Ningxia (宁夏银川水洞沟)

Open Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily

Ticket Price: 60 RMB

Accessibility: 35 km northeast of Lingwu City, near the northern section of the Ming Great Wall

Key Features:

• Preserved fortress from the Ming Dynasty military defense system

• Archaeological artifacts related to trade and military life

• Scenic views of the surrounding canyon and natural landscapes