Jiaoshan Ancient Fort

Jiaoshan Ancient Fort

• Jiaoshan Fort is an important site of China’s modern anti-imperialist struggle and a testament to the heroic resistance of the people of Zhenjiang against foreign invaders.

Attraction Introduction

Jiaoshan Ancient Fort is located at the foot of the eastern side of Jiaoshan Mountain, facing Xiangshan Fort on the southern bank from afar.

The fort is built among rugged rocks, with eight lime-soil reinforced bastions arranged in a fan shape, facing the mouth of the Yangtze River. The entire fort is designed as a concealed bunker system, with each bastion equipped with a small ammunition depot, and a larger one situated slightly west of the main gate at the southern end of the bastions. The whole structure was constructed using layered rammed earth, making it exceptionally sturdy. During the War of Resistance, the fort was destroyed by Japanese forces. The remaining ruins are now a provincial-level cultural heritage site and serve as an important base for patriotic education. Standing before the ancient fort, one can almost still hear the thunderous roar of cannons and the earth-shaking shouts, evoking deep reflection and reverence.

The fort was initially built during the Opium War in 1840. At that time, the Qing government decided to construct Jiaoshan Fort to strengthen the defenses along the Yangtze River, forming a strategic triangle with Xiangshan Fort and the Jiutian Temple Fort in Jiangdu.

In 1842, the British launched the Yangtze River Campaign, sending warships into the Yangtze. They encountered fierce resistance and suffered heavy losses from the defenders of Jiaoshan Fort. Facing over seventy enemy ships, the defenders of Jiaoshan Fort showed no fear and launched fierce artillery fire. However, due to being outnumbered, the fort eventually fell, and more than 1,500 soldiers and civilians defending the island sacrificed their lives. When the British captured Zhenjiang, the military and civilians put up a desperate resistance. Their heroic and tragic struggle caught the attention of Friedrich Engels, who was in Europe at the time. In his article “The English Expedition to China,” he praised them warmly: “If the invaders had met with resistance everywhere like this, they would never have reached Nanjing.” Jiaoshan Anti-British Fort is an important site of China’s modern anti-imperialist struggle and a testament to the heroic resistance of the people of Zhenjiang against foreign invaders.

Address: Inside Jiaoshan Scenic Area, No. 83 Dongwu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City

Type: Military

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 0511-88817103

Opening Hours:

7:30-17:00

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Jiaoshan Scenic Area ticket.