Hulishan Fortress
Hulishan Fortress, perched on Xiamen’s southern coast, is a 19th-century military marvel that once guarded China’s seas against foreign invaders. Built in 1891 during the Qing Dynasty, this coastal bastion houses the world’s largest surviving 19th-century coastal cannon—a 280mm Krupp gun. Now a museum and UNESCO-recognized heritage site, it blends military history with panoramic ocean vistas, offering cannon demonstrations, underground tunnels, and a fascinating glimpse into China’s late imperial defenses.
Historical Overview
Construction began in 1891 under Emperor Guangxu, part of China’s desperate “Self-Strengthening Movement” to modernize its navy. The fortress withstood the 1900 Boxer Rebellion and saw action in the 1937–1938 Battle of Xiamen against Japanese forces. Post-1949, it served as a PLA naval base before opening to the public in 1984. Key milestones include the 2000 discovery of its Krupp cannon’s blueprint in a German archive and its 2017 listing as a “National Defense Education Base.”
Structural Layout
The fortress spans 7.6 hectares, divided into:
1. Upper Battery: The iconic Krupp cannon emplacement with 360-degree ocean views.
2. Lower Battery: Ammunition depots, soldier barracks, and a restored 1920s command post.
3. Underground Maze: A 500m network of tunnels linking gunpowder magazines and living quarters.
4. Coastal Walls: 1.5km of granite fortifications with 12 embrasures for artillery.
Key structures include the Martyr’s Memorial, the Military Museum, and the “Eye of Xiamen” lookout point.
Major Attractions
Krupp Cannon: The 71-ton German-made giant, capable of firing 225kg shells 16km.
Underground Tunnels: Explore candlelit bunkers with wax figures of Qing soldiers.
Military Museum: Weapons from the Ming Dynasty to the Cold War, including a M1911 pistol.
Coastal Trail: A 30-minute walk to the “Eye of Xiamen” lighthouse for views of Kinmen Island.
Cannon Drill: Daily demonstrations at 10 AM and 4 PM (weather permitting).
Stele Forest: 100+ stone carvings documenting the fortress’s history.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1.5–2 hours):
Main Gate → Krupp Cannon → Underground Tunnels → Military Museum → Coastal Trail.
Highlights: Cannon demo and ocean vistas.
- History Buff Route (3 hours):
Stele Forest → Barracks Reconstruction → 1937 Battle Exhibit → Tunnel Tour → Cannon Drill.
Highlights: In-depth military history.
- Family Adventure Route (2.5 hours):
Coastal Trail → “Eye of Xiamen” → Cannon Drill → Treasure Hunt (find 10 hidden cannons).
Highlights: Scenic walks and interactive fun.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official WeChat mini-program (up to 3 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets at the entrance (cash/credit card).
- Prices:
Adults: ¥25 (peak season), ¥20 (off-season).
Students/Seniors: ¥12.50 (ID required).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
By Bus: Routes 2, 20, 22, or 48 to “Hulishan Station.”
By Taxi: Direct to the main gate (¥15 from downtown).
By Bike: Shared bikes (HelloBike/Meituan) allowed on the coastal trail.
Parking: Free lots for private cars and tour buses.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM; visit early (8 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays offer quieter tours.
Weather: Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) are ideal.
- Essentials:
Wear sturdy shoes (uneven stone paths).
Bring sunscreen and a hat (limited shade).
Photography allowed (no tripods in tunnels).
Pro Tip: Check the cannon demo schedule online—it sells out fast!
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
