Discover the Marvels of Diaoyu Fortress in He Chuan, Chongqing
Built in 1243 during the Southern Song Dynasty, the Diaoyucheng Fortress(钓鱼城)stands as a formidable military stronghold created to fend off the Mongolian invasions.
With its history spanning over 700 years, this fortress is undoubtedly one of the most significant historical sites in Chongqing and one of the best-preserved ancient battlefield sites in China.
The city walls stretch an impressive 8 kilometres, featuring 8 gates and various military and living facilities that offer a snapshot of a pivotal moment in the 5,000-year history of China. For history enthusiasts or anyone interested in Chinese culture, Diaoyu Fortress is a must-visit destination.
About Diaoyu Fortress
Perched majestically on Diaoyu Mountain in the He Chuan District(合川区), Diaoyu Fortress overlooks the confluence of three rivers: the Jialing, Qujiang, and Fujiang.
Located just 68 kilometres from downtown Chongqing, this strategic site has historically controlled vital waterways, making it an important transport hub in the Bashu region.
The steep terrain and plateau-like features provide stunning views, especially from the highest point at 391 meters above sea level.
The History of Diaoyu Fortress
Following the united fight between the Southern Song and Mongols against the Jurchen Jin Dynasty, the Mongols launched an aggressive campaign against the resilient Southern Song during the 13th century.
Diaoyu Fortress was constructed as a defensive barrier for the Hezhou and Shizhao prefectures, forming a crucial part of Sichuan’s mountain defence system.
The war lasted for over a third of the 13th century, with Diaoyu Fortress experiencing more than 200 military confrontations between 1243 and 1279.
Under the command of Generals Wang Jian and Zhang Jue, local soldiers and civilians demonstrated remarkable courage, engaging in fierce battles against the Yuan forces. Their strategies of “fortifying the defence and fighting to the last drop of blood” and “taking the initiative to attack” were integral to their resilience.
Getting There and Around
You can easily reach Diaoyu Fortress by high-speed train or by driving. Both Chongqing North Railway Station and Chongqing West Railway Station offer regular trains to He Chuan Station(合川站). Once you arrive at He Chuan Railway Station, simply grab a taxi to the Diaoyu Fortress Tourist Centre(钓鱼城景区游客中心).
If you prefer to drive, just navigate to the Diaoyu Fortress Tourist Centre. Parking stalls are available, and on weekdays, parking shouldn’t be a problem. Designated handicapped parking is also provided. However, if walking is a concern, be aware that exploring the fortress requires some hiking and navigating up and down the terrain, so plan accordingly.
The historical site also offers a transit bus that travels between the entrance and the tourist centre. You can either walk from the tourist centre to the site, which takes about 30 minutes or take the transit bus for a short 10-minute ride. The bus runs every 20 minutes, but when I visited, there wasn’t a designated area to catch it—just wait by the roadside and ask a staff member for directions. The ride takes you to the top of Diaoyu Mountain, which is fittingly named “Diaoyu,” meaning “fishing.” The name is said to originate from the historical fishing activities that took place in the rivers below.
Once you pass through the entrance, take a left and ascend the stairs; that’s the quickest way to reach the soldier training grounds. Don’t worry—there aren’t too many stairs, and after that, the terrain levels out for a more leisurely exploration.
Key Attractions at Diaoyu Fortress
The Horse Racing Track (跑马道)
This track runs through the entire fortress and serves as a vital transportation route, similar to a modern highway.
In times of military conflict, the defending troops could quickly access battle sites via this 8.5-kilometre-long path, which is wide enough for three horses to walk side by side or for five people to walk together.
The Nine Pots (九锅)
This area was historically used for grinding gunpowder and manufacturing weapons. Covering approximately 1,000 square meters, it is said to be one of the oldest arms factories in China.
The Safeguarding Gate (护国门)
Known as Hu Guo Men, this is the most magnificent of the fortress’s eight gates and one of the ten symbolic landscapes in Chongqing. As you exit this gate, observe the holes on the rocks to your right. During wartime, wooden stakes were driven into these holes to construct bridges for troop movement. When enemies invaded, the stakes would be pulled out, cutting off access to the gate.
The County Government (县政府)
The Diaoyu Fortress County Government is historically known as the last government office of the Southern Song Dynasty, surviving until the 16th year of the Yuan Dynasty.
The Thousand Buddhas
The thousand buddhas were carved during the Tang Dynasty. It is 7 meters tall and 7.3 meters wide, containing over 2700 Buddha statues arranged in 37 rows.
Tips for Visitors
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Be prepared for hiking and a lot of walking.
- Bring Drinkable Water: Staying hydrated is essential, especially while exploring.
- English Descriptions: Each scenic location provides English descriptions, making it easier for non-Chinese speakers.
- Well-Equipped Washrooms: Facilities are available at the historical site.
- Camera Ready: Don’t forget to capture the stunning views and historic sites.
- Avoid Weekends: For a more peaceful experience, plan your visit on a weekday.
As I walked through this historical site, I was touched by the sacrifices made by my ancestors to defend our homeland. The spirit of the people of Diaoyu Fortress, who vowed to protect their land even in the face of despair, resonates deeply. Their thirty-year struggle, though ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the fortress’s fall, showcases their unwavering determination. The legacy of those who fought for our homeland will forever be remembered.