Yueqing Watchtowers

Yueqing Watchtowers

Yueqing Watchtowers are designated as cultural heritage sites under protection by Zhejiang Province.

Yueqing Watchtowers, also known as Yueqing Blockhouses, are civilian buildings that integrate residential functions with military defense structures. They are predominantly square in layout, typically constructed with stone (or brick) and wood frameworks. The exteriors feature thick stone (or brick) walls, with layers of firing holes that are large inside and small outside, along with small windows set high in the walls. Their fortress-like appearance makes them extremely sturdy and highly defensible, featuring both warmth in winter and coolness in summer, thus making them suitable for habitation. There are currently over 20 Yueqing Watchtowers listed as key provincial-level cultural heritage protection units.

Yueqing Watchtowers emerged in the 1930s as modern structures combining residential living with defensive purposes, primarily built to guard against coastal pirates. These buildings exhibit unique architectural styles—for instance, their compact and distinctive layouts combine both Chinese and Western construction techniques, emphasizing military defense alongside residential functionality. At the time, frequent warfare and rampant pirate activity along the Yueqing coast caused great suffering among local residents, as pirates not only raided merchant ships at sea but also frequently landed to loot homes. Given the severity of the pirate threat along the coast, villagers were compelled to organize self-defense: daytime watch posts were set up to monitor pirates, while night watchmen patrolled and sounded alarms to guard against attacks. Wealthier coastal families built blockhouses, stocked firearms, and actively monitored and repelled pirate incursions. Currently, there are over 20 watchtowers designated as provincial-level cultural heritage protection units, such as those in Xing’er Village and Dingtou Village.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units