Delisi Mountain Fortress

Delisi Mountain Fortress

Delisi Mountain Fortress is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Delisi Mountain Fortress is located in Wafangdian City, Dalian, Liaoning Province. Also known as Longtan Mountain Fortress or Deliying Fortress, it is a heritage site dating from the Wei-Jin to the Tang Dynasty.

The fortress stretches 2,240 meters in length, with remnants of walls standing 5 meters high and 3 meters wide, built from stone. It features east and west gates, along with surviving foundations, the ruins of Longhua Palace, and the bell tower.

Longtan Mountain has two peaks—north and south. The southern peak stands at an elevation of 318 meters, while the northern peak reaches 418 meters. These two peaks stand tall and face each other, forming a natural barrier for the mountain fortress.

On the western side of the northern peak, there is another peak that, though slightly lower, is majestic and imposing, acting like a stronghold behind the fortress. To its east rise two large rock formations that seem like a pair of fangs piercing the sky, hence they are called “Big Fang” and “Second Fang.” The fortress was built following the terrain, stretching 2,240 meters in length, with remnants of walls standing 5 meters high and 3 meters wide, all constructed from stone. The east, south, and west sides of the fortress are surrounded by mountain peaks with steep slopes and dense vegetation. There are both east and west gates. The east gate is located at the mountain pass, where the terrain is lower and the slope gradually eases—it appears to have been the main passage for people and horses in ancient times. The west gate is situated at a strategic high point, offering a commanding view, serving as a critical route for attack or retreat. Overall, the fortress winds along the contours of the mountain, twisting and turning like a flying dragon or coiling snake, presenting a spectacular sight. Due to years of neglect, the full structure of the wall can no longer be seen, but the foundations remain, and relics are still present. In a mountain hollow within the fortress lies a “Dragon King Temple,” later renamed “Longhua Palace,” which was built during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era. Inside the temple are paintings of landscapes, water, birds, and fish, which, despite the passage of time, remain clearly visible. The original walls and gatehouse of the temple still stand. In the courtyard stands a 3-meter-high bell tower made of granite. In front of the temple is Longtan Bay, which is 55 meters long and 25 meters wide. The bay’s water is crystal clear and never dries up year-round, with groups of lobsters swimming in it. The fortress is about 1.5 kilometers from Delisi Railway Station, and an asphalt road has now been built leading directly to the fortress and the temple. On the southern slope of the old temple, a new Taoist temple has also been constructed.

In May 2013, it was designated and announced by the State Council as part of the seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Protected Area: Within the fortress and within 30 meters outside the outer base of the city walls.

Construction Control Zone: The area within 50 meters outside the protected area is designated as Class I Construction Control Zone, and the area within 100 meters outside the Class I zone is the Class II Construction Control Zone.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Cultural Relics Protection Units in Liaoning Province

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units