Fan Lau Fort, Military fortification in Lantau Island, Hong Kong.
Fan Lau Fort is a rectangular military structure located at the southwestern tip of Lantau Island, built with semi-dressed stone and green bricks. The fort sits on a rocky coastal area with clear views across the water toward the Pearl River Estuary.
The fort was built in 1729 during the reign of the Yongzheng Emperor to protect the entrance to the Pearl River Estuary. Pirates later took control of the site, but government forces retook it before the structure was eventually abandoned in 1898 when Britain took control of the region.
The fort represents the defensive architecture of Imperial China, which relied on coastal fortifications due to limited naval capabilities in the 18th century.
Reaching the fort requires following hiking trails from Lantau Trail, and visitors should be prepared for a walk on foot. Bring proper footwear and weather protection, as the coastal location means exposure to wind and sun.
The fort was originally known as Tai Yu Shan Fort before acquiring its present name. This earlier designation reflects the site's complex past under different periods of control and use.
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