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Zhongpo Fort is located on Maxian Mountain in Mawei District, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, behind the Zhaozhong Temple. Built in 1888 , it covers 3,800 square meters and houses a 210mm Krupp breech-loading gun and two 120mm Krupp cannons .
Originally, there were three ancient forts built to protect the shipyard: the Qianpo ( uphill ) , Zhongpo, and Houpo ( downhill ) forts. Today, the Qianpo and Houpo forts have been destroyed, leaving only the Zhongpo fort. Climb the 228 steps along the small stone path next to the memorial pavilion near the Zhaozhong Shrine to reach the Zhongpo fort.
The Krupp gun was the most advanced artillery produced in Germany at the time. Due to over a century of erosion and vandalism, the Qianpo and Houpo Lin forts have been destroyed. The Zhongpo fort was once reduced to ruins, but was restored in 1991 and designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site in 1996 .
Suitable for all seasons
Suggested playing time: about half an hour
Free but not free tickets, limited to no more than 500 tickets per day
8:30-12:00 , 13:30-17:30 ( invoice sales stop at 16:30 , venue cleared at 17:20 )
Closed on Lunar New Year's Eve
Zhongpo Fort, built in the Ming Dynasty, was an important military structure designed to protect the city of Fuzhou from maritime invasions. It represents the strategic military planning of the period and offers insight into the region’s defense systems.
Zhongpo Fort is located on the outskirts of Fuzhou, near the coastline. It is accessible by taxi, private car, or public bus. Visitors can also reach the fort by walking from nearby parks or scenic spots, though public transport is the most convenient option.
The fort is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller.
The entrance fee is around 20 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through various local platforms.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for general visits. However, for special events or peak seasons, booking a few days ahead is recommended.
Exploring Zhongpo Fort will typically take 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in history and photography. A longer visit may be needed if you want to take part in a guided tour.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available for rent at the entrance, though they are typically offered in Chinese. It’s advisable to check for availability in other languages before visiting.
Start at the main entrance, explore the fort's perimeter, and ascend to the highest point for panoramic views. Afterward, visit the cannons and other relics before exiting through the main gate.
Night visits are not commonly available, and there are no regular light shows. However, special events or cultural exhibitions may occur from time to time, especially during festivals.
The fort can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid large crowds, visit on weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
The fort has uneven terrain, and while the main areas are accessible to elderly and children, some parts of the fort may be difficult for those with mobility issues. It's recommended to check accessibility options before visiting.
Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Credit cards may not be accepted at the entrance, so it's a good idea to carry cash for ticket purchases.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the fort itself, but several local eateries and cafes can be found within a short drive from the site, offering traditional Fujian cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available in some local restaurants, particularly those offering traditional Fujian dishes. Halal food options may be found in certain restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
There are souvenir shops outside the fort where visitors can purchase local crafts, tea, and Fujianese traditional items such as painted fans and silk goods.
