Hulishan Fortress in Xiamen
Hulishan Fortress (胡里山炮台) is located in Siming District (思明区), Xiamen (厦门), Fujian Province (福建省), at No. 2 Zengcuoan (曾厝垵). It was originally constructed in the 20th year of the Guangxu reign (光绪二十年, 1894) during the Qing Dynasty (清代) and completed in 22nd year of the Guangxu reign (光绪二十二年, 1896). The fortress covers an area of 13,000 square meters. Hulishan Fortress is a historically significant coastal artillery fortification that provides a glimpse into China’s military history, especially its coastal defense efforts. It is recognized as one of the best-preserved coastal fortresses and a key site for research on Chinese coastal defense, the Self-strengthening Movement (洋务运动), and military engineering.
In 1996, Hulishan Fortress was declared a National Key Cultural Heritage Site by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国国务院).
History
Hulishan Fortress was constructed as part of China’s efforts to strengthen its coastal defense in the late 19th century. The idea to build the fortress was initiated in 1874 during the Tongzhi reign (同治十三年) under the Qing Dynasty. Despite financial difficulties, the project progressed and by 1894 (the 20th year of Guangxu), the construction began. In 1896, the fortress was completed, and it housed a powerful 28 cm Krupp coastal cannon imported from Germany.
During the Republic of China era (民国), the fortress saw significant military action. Notably, in 1923, it successfully repelled an attack by the Fujian Navy (闽系海军). During World War II in 1937, the fortress was involved in sinking a Japanese destroyer and was later occupied by the Japanese in 1938.
Post 1949, after the Liberation of Xiamen (厦门解放), the fortress became part of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (中国人民解放军) and continued its role in military defense until it was handed over to the tourism department in 1984.
Architecture and Structure
Hulishan Fortress is divided into several key sections:
Battlefield area (战坪区)
Barracks area (兵营区)
Rear mountain area (后山区)
The fortress contains various military installations such as:
Two main cannons and two auxiliary cannons
Ammunition rooms and tunnels
Observation platforms, military offices, barracks, and defensive walls
The most famous relic is the 28 cm Krupp coastal gun (克虏伯海岸炮), one of the largest and most complete coastal guns from the 19th century still in existence. The cannon is preserved at its original location in the fortress.
Military Significance
The fortress played a crucial role in defending Xiamen and the southeastern coast of China from foreign threats, particularly during the late Qing Dynasty and Republic of China periods. Some significant events in the fortress’s history include:
1923, the fortress repelled an attack by the Fujian Navy.
1937, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, it successfully sank a Japanese destroyer.
1938, the fortress was occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army.
The fortress remained an active military site until 1984, when it was handed over to tourism authorities.
Modern Developments
In 1984, the fortress was transferred to the tourism bureau and underwent restoration work.
In 1996, the Krupp coastal cannon was certified as the largest and oldest remaining 19th-century coastal artillery still in its original location by the National Cultural Heritage Administration.
2008, restoration of the Krupp gun was completed.
2022, further restoration work was undertaken on the fortress’s barracks, training ground, and defensive structures.
Visitor Information
Location and Contact
Address: No. 2, Zengcuoan, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
Phone Number: 0592-2574310
Opening Hours
Summer: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Winter: 08:00 AM – 05:30 PM
Ticket Price
Entrance Fee: 25 RMB per person
Level of Preservation
The fortress is listed as a National Key Cultural Heritage Site.
Attractions and Exhibits
Krupp Coastal Gun (克虏伯海岸炮)
Military Barracks and Observation Platforms
Defensive Walls and Tunnels
Exhibition Hall: The “King of Coastal Guns” exhibit showcases the historical significance of the fortress.
Notable Historical Events
Hulishan Fortress has witnessed several key historical events, including:
1923, the Fujian Navy’s failed attempt to capture the fortress.
1937, the sinking of the Japanese destroyer.
1938, the fortress was occupied by the Japanese Imperial Army.
In 1958, it also served as the site for radio broadcasts from China’s Ministry of National Defense to Taiwan, including the first live broadcast of the Taiwan compatriots’ letter and military orders.
Military Legacy
The fortress’s Krupp cannon holds an iconic place in military history. In 2000, it was recognized as the largest 19th-century coastal artillery in the world, listed in the Guinness World Records. It is an important symbol of China’s coastal defense during the late Qing Dynasty.
Architecture and Layout
Hulishan Fortress (胡里山炮台) is located on a mountain slope facing the sea, offering a wide view of the surrounding area. It shares a strategic location with the Yuzaiwei Fortress (屿仔尾炮台) and the Longjiaowei Fortress (龙角尾炮台) on the opposite side of the sea, controlling access to Xiamen Harbor (厦门港). The fortress’s construction cost over 86,900 taels of silver and occupies 13,000 square meters. Its perimeter is 114.72 meters, with a width of 71.68 meters at the back of the platform.
The fortress is divided into three functional areas from south to north:
Battlefield Area (战坪区)
Barracks Area (兵营区)
Rear Mountain Area (后山区)
Battlefield Area
The Battlefield Area is the core of the fortress, with a three-tier structure:
Top Layer: Main and secondary cannon positions
Middle Layer: Combat room and ammunition storage
Bottom Layer: Tunnels and ammunition vaults
The fortress houses two 28 cm Krupp guns (28生克虏伯大炮) and two 15 cm Krupp guns (15生克虏伯炮). The surrounding area includes a trench and protective bunkers. The main construction materials used are granite stone strips, with the platform made of thick tamped earth (1.3 meters deep) and steel plates beneath. The building mixture included red earth, brown sugar, glutinous rice juice, and camphor tree juice.
Barracks Area
The Barracks Area consists of a two-story command office (官厅) and 22 barracks (营房). The command office served as the base for military operations, and the barracks were the soldiers’ dormitories. The area is designed in a “品字” (pronounced “pinzi”) pattern, with the height slightly lower than the Battlefield Area.
Rear Mountain Area
The Rear Mountain Area is the highest point of the fortress, standing at 38 meters above sea level. The area is densely vegetated and hosts the watchtower (瞭望台) and ammunition depot (军火库). The mountain is protected by a granite stone city wall (城墙) that is 1.8 to 2 meters thick and 6 meters high. The city wall has observation posts and shooting ports for defense. All parts of the fortress are connected by underground tunnels, ensuring smooth supply lines and easy withdrawal routes for the stationed troops.
Cultural Relics
Krupp Coastal Guns
The fortress houses two Krupp guns manufactured by the German Krupp company (克虏伯兵工厂) in 1893. Each cannon was priced at about 80,000 taels of silver. These guns have a caliber of 28 cm (280 mm), weigh 87 tons, have 84 rifling grooves, and a barrel length of 13.13 meters. They have a maximum firing range of 19.76 kilometers and a 360-degree firing angle.
In 1989, a Chinese self-made iron cannon (中国自制铁炮) was recovered from the sea near the fortress, which had been sunk by the British during the Opium War. Additionally, two small Krupp steel cannons (小钢炮) made in 1881 were unearthed at the North Gate (北门).
In 2023, three more cannons were discovered in Xiamen’s Bashi Market (八市水产店), adding to the collection of historical artillery displayed at the fortress.
Main Exhibitions
Hulishan “King of Cannons” and Sinking of Japanese Warships Exhibition
The “King of Cannons” exhibition was originally a Japanese artillery platform (榴弹炮阵地) built after the Japanese occupation of the fortress. In 2006, it was transformed into an exhibition showcasing the history of the Krupp gun’s involvement in sinking Japanese warships during World War II. It features multimedia displays and historical accounts of this significant event.
High-Fidelity Robot Silicone Figure Museum
Located in the Armory Hall (官厅), this exhibit uses high-fidelity silicone robots to recreate the historical scenes of Yang Qizhen (杨岐珍), the Fujian Navy Admiral (福建水师提督), inspecting the fortress during its construction. It also portrays life and military operations in the fortress in 1896.
4D Cinema
The 4D Cinema at Hulishan Fortress showcases the history of the Xiamen Harbor Fort (厦门港要塞) during the Opium War, allowing visitors to experience the historical battles through immersive 4D technology.
Holographic Imaging Theater
The Holographic Imaging Theater blends sound, light, and multimedia to recreate scenes such as the re-establishment of the Minhai National Gate (闽海国门) and Xiamen Harbor’s defense during the Anti-Japanese War (抗日战争). It highlights the fortress’s critical role, including the building of the artillery platform, transportation and assembly of the Krupp guns, and their use in defense.
Image Exhibition: “Journey to the West, Learning from the Barbarians”
This exhibition highlights the Self-strengthening Movement (洋务运动) led by Li Hongzhang (李鸿章) and the Qing Dynasty’s efforts to modernize its military, including the purchase of modern artillery from Germany, France, and England. From 1871 to 1902, China purchased 6,793 modern coastal guns, many of which were manufactured by Krupp.
Image Exhibition: “Minhai National Gate, Reforging the Lock”
This exhibit introduces the historical coastal fortifications of Xiamen (厦门), including the Beinan Bird Empty Park Fortress (鸟空园炮台), Wukou Fortress (武口炮台), Baishitou Fortress (白石头炮台), and Longjiaowei Fortress (龙角尾炮台). These were key components of Xiamen’s coastal defense during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Hulishan Fortress (胡里山炮台), located in Xiamen (厦门), is a site with a deep historical and cultural legacy. It has been an important location for both military and defense strategies throughout various periods in Chinese history.
Poem: “View of the Sea at Hulishan Fortress, Xiamen”
By Li Zuozhong (李祚忠)
胡里山头古炮台，曾经御外吼常开。
欣今到此观长海，不教敌船再敢来！
Translation:
At the ancient artillery site on Hulishan Hill,
Once roaring against foreign invaders.
Today, I stand here, gazing at the vast sea,
And shall not let enemy ships dare to come again!
The First Opium War and the British Invasion
After the First Opium War (第一次鸦片战争), British invaders repeatedly attacked Xiamen (厦门). The then Governor of Fujian and Zhejiang (Yan Botao / 颜伯焘) constructed the Shibi Fortress (石壁炮台) on the southern coast of Xiamen Island, using granite instead of sandbags. This fortress became the predecessor of Hulishan Fortress. In April 1841, the British forces attacked Xiamen, and although Yan Botao personally led the Qing soldiers to defend the site, they were overwhelmed by the superior British artillery. The fortress was lost within twenty minutes.
The Xiamen Incident
In August 1900, following a fire set by Japanese monks at the East Hongwanji Temple (东本愿寺) in Xiamen, the Japanese Imperial Marines landed on the island. The garrison at Hulishan Fortress immediately pointed their guns at the Japanese warships off Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿). Seeing the powerful artillery, the Japanese commander ordered the withdrawal of their landing forces.
Activities and Events
Welcoming Ceremony
The “Welcoming Ceremony” at Hulishan Fortress recreates the scene when the Fujian Navy Admiral (福建水师提督) led soldiers to open the fortress gates, welcoming guests with flag dances and military honors. The performance, which aims to promote the fortress as the “gateway to the south,” is held at 8:30 AM. Any adjustments to the time will be posted by the site.
Qing Army Drills with Red-Eyed Cannons
The Red-Eyed Cannon Drills (红夷火炮清兵操演) are performed in the rear mountain area of the fortress. These drills reflect the military glory of Xiamen Harbor‘s fortifications during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The performance includes background music, the Eight Banners (八旗) military uniform, and other elements to re-enact the artillery drills and firing process. This event is held daily at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with adjustments posted on the official website.
Publications
Hulishan Fortress and Xiamen Coastal Defense Fortifications by Han Zaimao (韩栽茂), 2014
Hulishan Fortress and the Self-Strengthening Movement by Hu Hanhui (胡汉辉), 2012
Xiamen Hulishan Fortress and the Krupp Family’s Historical Connection by Hu Hanhui (胡汉辉), 2009
Hulishan Fortress and the Krupp Guns by Xiamen Political Consultative Conference (厦门市政协), 2006
Cultural Relic Value
Hulishan Fortress blends European semi-bunker and Chinese Ming and Qing defense structures. Made of high-quality granite, it includes gates, walls, towers, moats, barracks, and artillery platforms. The fortress is one of the most well-preserved coastal fortifications and is an important site for the study of China’s coastal defense military history, the Self-Strengthening Movement (洋务运动), and military engineering.
Protection and Conservation Efforts
March 11, 1982: The Krupp gun at Hulishan Fortress was listed as a municipal-level protected cultural heritage by the Xiamen Municipal People’s Government.
October 11, 1985: The fortress was listed as a provincial-level protected heritage by the Fujian Provincial People’s Government.
November 20, 1996: It was officially recognized as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
August 26, 2004: The State Administration of Cultural Heritage approved the Hulishan Fortress Krupp Gun Conservation and Restoration Plan.
January 25, 2022: The State Administration of Cultural Heritage agreed to the Fujian Provincial Bureau of Cultural Heritage’s conservation plan for the fortress.
Honorable Recognition
In December 2024, Hulishan Fortress was recognized by the National Tourism Standardization Technical Committee as one of the third batch of National Civilized Tourism Demonstration Units in China.
Visitor Information
Location
Hulishan Fortress is located at No. 2 Zengcuo’an Road, Siming District (思明区曾厝垵2号), Xiamen, Fujian Province.
Ticket Prices
Adult ticket (full price): ¥25 per person
Senior ticket (aged 60-65): ¥10 per person
Student ticket: Full-time students with valid student IDs: ¥12 per person
Free entry: For minors (under 18), active-duty military personnel, retired military officers, people with disabilities, senior citizens aged 65 and above, fire rescue personnel, public security officers, moral exemplars in Xiamen, and members of specific associations.
Transportation Information
Public Transport
Take bus 29 (or 21, 86, 96, B11, or M30) from Xiamen city center and get off at Hulishan Bus Station, then walk approximately 205 meters to the fortress.
Self-Driving
From Jimei: Head to Provincial Road S206, continue for 2.9 kilometers, and follow signs to Jiahe Road, Xianwu Bridge, and Hulishan Fortress.
From Haicang: Drive towards Xiamen Island via Dongdu Road and Lujing Road, continuing for 6.1 kilometers to the fortress.
Opening Hours
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Winter: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM)
