Weiyuan Fortress, Zhenhai

Weiyuan Fortress is a fortified site near Ningbo that stretches roughly 360 meters along the water with stone walls and gun emplacements. The structure shows clear military planning through its crossed platform design and multiple cannon positions meant to repel sea attacks.

Built in 1835 during the Qing Dynasty, the fortress played a crucial role during conflicts linked to the opium trade in the region. It was involved in several defensive actions that marked a turning point for Chinese coastal protection.

The name reflects its role as a coastal guardian, and the layout shows how communities once defended their ports and trade routes. The gun positions reveal how important this location was for controlling maritime passage.

The site is free to visit and guests can freely explore the walls and gun positions. It helps to wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven and paths wind along the fortifications.

The gun positions were specifically arranged to target ships moving through the narrow strait, a technically clever solution for its era. This design reveals how precisely planners understood and countered threats from sea traffic.