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Hulishan Fort is located on the protruding headland at the southeast end of Xiamen, close to Xiamen University. It is a product of China's Westernization Movement. The total area of the fort is more than 70,000 square meters, and the castle area is more than 13,000 square meters. It is divided into a battlefield area, a barracks area and a back mountain area. Secret passages are built inside, and protective walls, ammunition depots, barracks, official offices, a mountaintop lookout hall, etc. are built.
The fort, a half-bunker, half-walled structure, features architectural styles from Europe and the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was also equipped with the most advanced equipment of the time, including the powerful 50-ton Krupp cannon with an effective range of 16,000 meters, which served as the main battery.
In the early years of the Republic of China, the navy's four attacks on the Hulishan Fort highlighted its advantages in coastal warfare. The Krupp cannon, known as the "King of Cannons", is "the oldest and largest 19th-century coastal cannon still preserved in its original site in the world" and is listed in the "Guinness Book of World Records 2000".
Suitable for all seasons
Regular Tour Route 1 : Stables, horse trails → 100-meter banyan tree trail → West Gate (front gate) to enter the fort → Back Mountain Area → Pass by the "One Tree Forest" → Battle Ground Area → Barracks Area → East Gate (back gate) to exit the fort → Hand in Hand Counter.
Regular Tour Route 2 : Enter the Fort through the East Gate (back gate) → Hand-holding Counter → Barracks Area → Battle Ground Area → Pass by the "One Tree Forming a Forest" → Back Mountain Area → Exit the Fort through the West Gate (front gate) → 100-meter Banyan Tree Path → Stables and Bridle Path.
Recommended playing time: about 1 hour
25 yuan/person
Daylight Saving Time: 8:00-18:00
Winter time: 8:00-17:30
Hulishan Fort, built in 1891 during the Qing dynasty, is one of China’s best-preserved coastal forts. It was constructed to defend Xiamen against naval attacks and played a key role in modernizing Chinese coastal defenses with imported German artillery. It represents the military history and colonial-era architecture of Xiamen.
Hulishan Fort is located in the southeastern part of Xiamen Island, Fujian. Visitors can reach it by taxi, local bus, or rideshare. Walking is possible from nearby city areas or tourist districts.
The fort is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Tickets usually cost around 25–30 CNY for adults. Tickets can be purchased on-site or via local travel apps and tourism websites.
Booking in advance is optional, but recommended during peak tourist season or holidays to ensure entry.
1.5 to 2 hours are sufficient to explore the fort, its exhibitions, and enjoy the surrounding views.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may offer English explanations. Audio guides are limited and mainly in Mandarin.
Enter through the main gate, walk along the fortress walls, visit the cannon and exhibition halls, then finish at the lookout point for scenic views of the harbor.
Night visits are generally not available. Special tours or events may occasionally occur during local festivals.
The fort can get busy on weekends and public holidays. Weekday mornings are the least crowded times for a peaceful visit.
Basic facilities include restrooms, small souvenir shops, and drinking water points. There are also seating areas for rest.
The site has some stairs and uneven paths, so mobility can be limited. Elderly visitors and children should take care, and wheelchair access is limited.
Cash is widely accepted, but major credit cards and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also commonly used.
Nearby areas in southeastern Xiamen have local seafood restaurants, cafes, and snack stalls. Small eateries near the fort offer light meals and refreshments.
Vegetarian options are available in some local restaurants. Halal food options are limited but can be found in Xiamen city.
Accommodations near Gulangyu Island and southeastern Xiamen include mid-range hotels, boutique guesthouses, and seaside resorts.
Souvenirs include miniatures of the cannon, local handicrafts, postcards, and traditional Xiamen snacks.
Taxis, rideshare, or local buses are convenient for reaching nearby attractions. Ferries can be used to visit Gulangyu Island for further sightseeing.
