Tongshan Ancient City

Tongshan Ancient City

Tongshan Ancient City is a cultural tourism attraction.

In the northeastern part of Dongshan Island, there is a vast expanse of sea, which serves as the exit of Dongshan Port. All fishing boats, merchant ships, cargo vessels, and cruise ships entering or leaving Dongshan must pass through this area. As a result, this body of water has become a strategic chokepoint of Dongshan, a contested military site throughout history. Where this sea area connects to the main island of Dongshan lies a massive coastal reef formation, rugged and uniquely shaped, where waves crash against the rocks, sending up thousands of foamy white sprays—a breathtaking natural spectacle of marine erosion. Among the rocks grow wind-resistant, sand-proof, and alkali-tolerant trees such as casuarina and acacia, lush and vibrant. Amidst the greenery winds the coiled form of a mighty dragon, undulating continuously, standing guard along the shores of the East China Sea and safeguarding the peace of Dongshan—this is Tongshan Ancient City, one of the Five Major Coastal Fortresses of Fujian.

Tongshan Ancient City was built during the Ming Dynasty. According to the *Tongshan Annals*, in the 20th year of the Hongwu reign (1387 AD), Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, sent Marquis of Jiangxia Zhou Dexing to Tongshan to select a strategic location. Laborers were conscripted from Yunxiao, Zhao’an, and Zhangpu to build the city by laying stones along the coast and constructing walls around the mountain. Upon completion, the Tongshan Water Fortress was established here, equipped with 46 various types of vessels including fu ships, patrol boats, winter boats, and fast boats, guarded by 141 officers and soldiers. At that time, the Tongshan Water Fortress, together with the Fenghuo Fortress in Funing, Xiaocheng in Fuzhou, Nanyue in Putian, and Wuyu in Quanzhou, were collectively known as the “Five Major Coastal Fortresses of Fujian,” making it one of the most important military defensive strongholds along the Fujian coast.

Built along the coastline, Tongshan Ancient City stretches in a long, winding form, exuding grandeur and majesty. The original city wall was 571 zhang (approximately 1,870 meters) in circumference, 2.1 zhang (approximately 6.9 meters) high, 1 zhang (approximately 3.3 meters) thick, with 864 crenels and 16 watchtowers. The foundation was constructed using layered dry-stacked stone slabs, while the wall itself was built from rammed earth mixed with crushed stones. The ancient city had four gates: the east gate named “Chenxi” (Morning Light), the west gate “Simi” (Thinking of Beauty), the south gate “Dayang” (Answering the Sun), and the north gate “Gongji” (Guarding the Pole). Today, the best-preserved section is a stretch of the eastern wall, over 400 meters long.

Tongshan Ancient City is not only a crystallization of the sweat and wisdom of the laboring people but also a heroic fortress of unyielding strength. For over 600 years, through the vicissitudes of time, every stone and every inch of the city walls bear witness to the moving history of the Dongshan people’s struggles and record the countless wars and devastations the city has endured. In the 43rd year of the Jiajing reign (1564) and the 10th year of the Yongli reign (1582) of the Ming Dynasty, the renowned anti-Wokou general Qi Jiguang led Zhejiang Yiwu troops to establish the “Zhe Troops Camp” on Dongshan Island twice, using the ancient city to repel Wokou invasions.

In the 6th year of the Chongzhen reign (1633) of the Ming Dynasty, Governor Lu Zhenfei and Commander Xu Yiming twice achieved major victories over Dutch invaders from behind the city walls.

In the 21st year of the Daoguang reign (1841) of the Qing Dynasty, when British imperialists retreated from Humen, they fiercely attacked Tongshan City. The soldiers and civilians of Tongshan rose up in resistance, forcing the British ships to flee in disgrace.

During the Anti-Japanese War, the military and civilians of Dongshan repeatedly fought off incursions by Japanese invaders here. The heroic history of Tongshan Ancient City is too rich to fully recount.

Standing atop the city walls of Tongshan Ancient City and looking out, the surrounding sea is a shimmering expanse of blue waves, gently caressed by the sea breeze, dotted with fishing sails and bustling with ships coming and going. Inside the city, shaded by lush green trees, winding paths lead to serene spots, with numerous scenic attractions scattered throughout. Temples and shrines adorned with red walls and green tiles are nestled among them, while visitors from all directions stroll leisurely through the peaceful surroundings—an idyllic scene of tranquility and prosperity, with no trace left of past wartime clamor.

Location of the Attraction

Within the Wind-Rocking Stone Scenic Area, Dongshan County, Zhangzhou City

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