Hulishan Fortress - Xiamen, Fujian province, China
Posted by: 
Arkhan
N 24° 26.022 E 118° 06.066
50R E 611620 N 2702688
This fortress played an important role in protecting the country against the Japanese during the period 1900 to 1937.
Waymark Code: WMC9XE
Location: China
Date Posted: 08/14/2011
Views: 5
At the south side of Xiamen island stands the Hulishan Fortress. This structure was an important element in protecting the country against the Japanese during the period 1900 to 1937. The fortress was considered a coastal defence barrier. Xiamen for many years was an ancient battle ground, and it was here that the Xiamen army would face off foreign invaders.
The fortress was constructed in 1894, during the reign of emperor Guangxu, and is a key landmark in the region's dark history. It consists of barracks, a secret tunnel, a commanding tower, a sentry platform, an ammunition depot, a trench, a granite castle (that alone occupies 13,000 square metres), and other fortified structures. It's completely enveloped by a granite wall.
A mixture of camphor tree sap along with liquid brown sugar, glutinous rice, clay and sand was used for the base of the fortress, making it very solid as this mixture could withstand cannon fire - a Chinese military innovation.
The east and west emplacements had two main cannons (only one is left now) bought from the Krupp Company of Germany. The length of the cannon is 13.13 metres and it weighs 50 tons. The calibre of the cannon is 280 mm and its maximum range of fire is 16,000 meters. Apart from this highlight, the fortress displays over 50 iron cannons that have been resurrected from the Ming and Qing Dynasty.
Hulishan Fortress is a key national historical and cultural site and in 2000 was included in the complete collection of Guinness World Records.
The year the "Fort" was constructed or started.: 1894
Name of "Country" or "Nation" that constructed this "Fort": China
Was this "Fort" involved in any armed conflicts?: Yes it was
What was the primary purpose of this "Historic Fort"?: Used for defence of a border or land claim.
Current condition: Quite excellent. The fortress yard has been renovated in recent years.
This site is administered by ----: Tourism Department of the city of Xiamen
If admission is charged -: 25.00 (listed in local currency)
Open to the public?: Restricted hours -Admission charged
Official or advertised web-page: Not listed
Link to web-site that best describes this "Historic Fort": Not listed
Link if this "Fort" is registered on your Countries/ State "Registry of Historical Sites or Buildi: Not listed
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