Dalian Bay Forts

Dalian Bay Forts

Introduction The Dalian Bay Forts are situated on Heshang Island in Dalian Bay. They include five coastal defense forts and one land defense fort, built between the 13th year of the Guangxu reign (1887) and June of the 19th year of the Guangxu reign (1893) during the Qing Dynasty. The forts were constructed from sandstone and cement, and consist of gun emplacements, barracks, and ammunition depots, surrounded by tall earthen walls. The remaining sites include those of the Dalian Bay and Xujia Mountain forts. Initially, the Dalian Bay Forts were garrisoned by the 13 battalions of the Liu Shengxiu-led Tidu Army. In the 20th year of the Guangxu reign (1894), when the First Sino-Japanese War broke out, on August 16, all but six squads of troops were dispatched to Dadonggou to meet the Qing forces in Korea. Later, six battalions and three squads of Huai Army under the command of General Zhao Huaiye were transferred to reinforce the Dalian Bay garrison. When Japanese forces approached Jinzhou and the situation there became critical, Zhao Huaiye, driven by cowardice, abandoned the forts and fled to Lüshun, resulting in these well-built forts failing to fulfill their role in defending the territory.

Liaoning, Lushunkou