Weiyuan Fort, Coastal defense fortification in Humen, China
Weiyuan Fort is a coastal defense structure in Humen built with a linear design that runs along the waterfront and houses multiple artillery positions. The site contains both exposed cannon placements and covered gun emplacements that showcase how defenders were positioned to repel attacks from the sea.
The fort was constructed in 1835 as a key defensive position and saw action during several major conflicts in the region. It played a central role in China's military response during the Opium Wars period.
The fort served as a symbol of China's resistance during colonial conflicts and remains a place where visitors reflect on this pivotal period in the nation's past. Walking through its grounds, people encounter the physical remnants of military history and gain perspective on how these events shaped modern China.
The fort sits beneath Humen Bridge and is easily reachable on foot, allowing visitors to view the cannons and fortifications from various angles. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes since walking along the fortification can involve uneven terrain.
The fort features an uncommon crossed platform arrangement that sets it apart from other defense structures in the Pearl River Delta region. This design choice allowed for better coverage of firing lines and represented a military innovation of its era.
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