[Photo/fjta.com]

The Hulishan Fortress is a concrete defensive outpost on the south side of Xiamen, just across the water from the historically contentious Kinmen Islands.

Xiamen was one of the treaty ports established by the Treaty of Nanking that ended the First Opium War in 1842. Though the British troops that shelled and captured the city in 1841 left the city in proper shape, the city was understandably eager to establish more defensive capabilities. By the dawn of the 20th century, the Hulishan Fortress had been completed. The castle compound is massive, with secret tunnels, barracks for soldiers, offices, and fortifications for repelling attacks, towering walls and watch towers. The highlight for visitors of today is the enormous cannon that still remains (there were originally two; one for east and west defense). Built by a German munitions company, the two 14 m (46 ft) cannons, when viewed in tandem with the dozens of other, smaller artillery, must have been an intimidating sight.

[Photo/fjta.com]

The Hulishan Fortress is located on the southern coast of Xiamen, just south of Xiamen University; walk south on Daxue Lu and look for the enormous fortress with the huge cannon.