Diaoyu Fortress (钓鱼城) is situated on Diaoyu Mountain in the northeastern part of Hechuan County and is renowned as the “Miracle City that Changed the Course of World History.” The fortress is uniquely positioned with water on three sides and a mountain on one, and it has remarkably preserved its ancient structures. Key attractions within the fortress include the city gate, city walls, royal palace, military yamen, infantry camp, and naval dock, as well as notable landmarks such as Diaoyu Platform, Huguo Temple, Suspended Buddha Temple, Qianfo Grottoes, Huangdong Cave, Tianquan Cave, and Feiyan Cave. The site also houses a significant collection of poetry, inscriptions, and stone carvings from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
At Diaoyu Fortress, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of a Song Dynasty marketplace. The fortress features a beautifully restored ancient street known as Song Street, where all the buildings are designed in a traditional Song architectural style.
Along the cobblestone paths of Song Street, you’ll encounter vendors dressed in period costumes, who engage with tourists, creating an interactive and lively experience. The street is filled with various stalls offering an array of delicious local delicacies, allowing you to savor the flavors of the past.
Travel Information about Diaoyu Fortress
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 60 RMB
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Getting to Diaoyu Fortress
Location: Diaoyu Fortress is situated at Diaoyu City Avenue, Yucheng Village, Hechuan District, Chongqing.
Transportation: Visitors can take the He 1929 bus and alight at the Diaoyu Fortress Intersection stop for convenient access to the site.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★
- Adventure and Excitement: ★
Highlights of Diaoyu Fortress
Historical Significance
In the fourth year of the Jiaxi era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1240 AD), the Mongols launched an attack against the Southern Song dynasty. To resist the Mongol cavalry, in the third year of the Chunyou era (1243 AD), Yu Yu, the military governor of Sichuan and the governor of Chongqing, accepted the advice of local leaders Ran Jin and Ran Pu to build a fortress on Diaoyu Mountain as a defense against Mongol invasions. This marked the beginning of Diaoyu Fortress.
In the eleventh year of Chunyou (1251 AD), under the leadership of Mongke Khan, who commanded a force of 100,000 elite soldiers known as the “Whip of God,” the conflict against the Southern Song Dynasty escalated, opening the curtain for the famous “Battle of Diaoyu Fortress.” From 1243 to 1279, the Southern Song military and civilians, led by commanders Wang Jian and Zhang Jue, utilized the fortress’s natural defenses and strategic tactics to fend off over 200 battles against one of the most powerful military forces in the world at the time. They achieved the remarkable feat of defending the fortress for 36 years, a rarity in both ancient and modern military history.
In 1259, after a prolonged siege, Diaoyu Fortress remained unconquered, leading to Mongke’s fury. He ordered the construction of a platform on the summit of a nearby hill to spy on the fortress. However, during an assault led by Wang Jian, the fortress’s commander, the Mongol leader was severely wounded and died the following day outside Hezhou. Following Mongke’s death, Kublai Khan retreated his forces from Ezhou to the steppes to contest the throne, causing various Mongolian armies to withdraw, which halted the Mongol cavalry’s advance against the Song dynasty. This event marked a pivotal moment in the history of Eurasia, fundamentally altering the course of world history.
Ancient Barracks
The Ancient Barracks (古军营) is situated to the south, facing north, and served as the original garrison for the defenders of Diaoyu Fortress. The entire military compound consists of two main parts: the training ground and the barracks. The training ground is circular, covering an area of 5,800 square meters, and is complemented by seven barracks located at the southern edge of the training area. The buildings feature traditional stone walls and green tiles, reflecting a classic architectural style.
In front of the Ancient Barracks, a wide horse racing track was constructed, which served as a vital military transportation route throughout Diaoyu Fortress. In case of military emergencies, the defending troops could quickly access the battlefield via this pathway. The remains of the horse racing track stretch a total length of 8.5 kilometers, with a width of 3.5 meters, allowing for the simultaneous movement of three horses alongside five soldiers. This design underscores the strategic importance of the barracks in ensuring rapid mobilization during conflicts.
Huguo Gate
Huguo Gate (护国门) is the largest of the eight gates at Diaoyu Fortress and is recognized as one of the top ten iconic landmarks in Chongqing. It is strategically located, flanked by steep cliffs on the left and the abyss of the Jialing River on the right, making it a formidable defensive position. The gate opening measures 3.24 meters in height, 2.45 meters in width, and extends 6.42 meters deep. Above the entrance is an inscription that reads “Key to All of Shu” (全蜀关键), highlighting its significance.
Atop the gate is a two-tiered, heavy-eaved pavilion that rises 7 meters high, proudly displaying the plaque “Huguo Gate” (护国门). In ancient times, the soldiers and residents of Diaoyu Fortress utilized a plank road for access in and out of the fortress through Huguo Gate. In times of enemy approach, they would quickly dismantle the plank road, effectively cutting off the access point.
Huguo Gate witnessed numerous fierce battles between the Song Dynasty and Mongol forces, with both sides clashing here over a hundred times. Despite the intensity of these confrontations, the gate remained unbreached, earning its reputation as a place where “one man holds the pass, ten thousand cannot get through,” a testament to its strategic and historical importance.
Huguo Temple
Huguo Temple (护国寺), founded by the renowned monk Shitou during the Tang Dynasty, reached its peak in the Shaoxing period of the Southern Song Dynasty. It was one of the four famous temples in Hezhou and became known as the “Stone Buddha Temple” in the Bashu region during the Tang and Song dynasties. The temple was destroyed by fire during the Yuan Dynasty in 1298 but has since undergone several reconstructions during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The current structures were preserved after renovations in 2005, showcasing architectural styles from the Qing Dynasty.
The main buildings of Huguo Temple include the Dazhaimen (Grand Mountain Gate), Tianwang Hall, Mahavira Hall, Yaoshi Buddha Hall, Guanyin Hall, Patriarch Hall, and the monks’ living quarters, arranged in a cohesive layout. One notable feature within the temple complex is an ancient osmanthus tree, which was planted in 1155 during the expansion of Huguo Temple funded by Shi Nan Xuanwei Tian Shaoqing. Each autumn, the tree blossoms, filling the temple grounds with a golden hue and a delightful fragrance, earning the temple the nickname “The Scent of Osmanthus in Yucheng.”
Zhongyi Shrine
Zhongyi Shrine (忠义祠), established during the Ming and Qing dynasties, is a significant ancient architectural complex located in Diaoyu Fortress. Covering an area of over 4,000 square meters, with a building area of more than 2,000 square meters, the shrine is dedicated to honoring the loyal defenders of Diaoyu Fortress.
Inside the main hall of Zhongyi Shrine, beneath the plaque inscribed with “Loyalty and Righteousness for All Eternity,” are the ancestral tablets of the fortress’s commanders: Yu Yu, Ran Ban, Ran Pu, Wang Jian, and Zhang Jue. In the left chamber, the tablets of Wang Li, Li Dehui, and Lady Xiong Er are also enshrined, highlighting the contributions of these historical figures.
The current layout of Zhongyi Shrine reflects the architectural style from the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, creating an atmosphere of antiquity and solemnity. The courtyard features a majestic banyan tree that enhances the shrine’s tranquil ambiance, inviting visitors to reflect on the bravery and loyalty of those who fought to defend their homeland.
History of Zhongyi Shrine
Originally known as “Wang Zhang Shrine,” Zhongyi Shrine was established to honor the commanders Wang Jian and Zhang Jue, who valiantly defended Diaoyu Fortress. During the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the shrine was destroyed in warfare. In the 24th year of the Qianlong reign (1759), it was rebuilt and renamed “Zhongyi Shrine,” with the addition of tablets for Yu Yu, Ran Jin, and Ran Pu.
In the 31st year of the Qianlong reign (1766), Chen Dawan, an official in Hezhou, further expanded the shrine to include tablets for Wang Li, Lady Xiong Er, and Li Dehui, renaming it “Gongde Shrine” (Merit Shrine). However, in the 7th year of the Guangxu reign (1881), Governor Hua Guoying refurbished the shrine again, moving the tablets of Wang Li, Li Dehui, and Lady Xiong Er to a separate room and restoring the original name of “Zhongyi Shrine.”
Suspended Reclining Buddha
The Suspended Reclining Buddha is a massive stone carving created during the late Tang Dynasty. Carved into a cliff face, this impressive statue measures 11 meters in length and 2.2 meters in width at the shoulders. The Buddha is depicted in a reclining position, adorned with a dual-collared, flowing robe, and features a high topknot. The distance between its ears measures 1.8 meters, and its feet, bare, are 1.2 meters wide.
Positioned with its back facing north and head pointing west, the Buddha’s chest is exposed, showcasing a round, dignified, and benevolent visage. The intricately carved details of the Reclining Buddha, while not as grand as the renowned reclining Buddha at Dazu, are considered a unique treasure in their own right, representing a remarkable example of suspended sculpture in China.