Taiping Fort

Taiping Fort

The heroes of Liangshan Marsh who upheld justice on behalf of Heaven by occupying the marshlands gained nationwide fame; in Guiyang Township, Dehua County, there stands a Taiping Fort that also enjoyed great renown in its time. Taiping Fort is the oldest existing ancient fortress in terms of history, the largest in area, the most well-preserved, and still inhabited to this day.

Taiping Fort is situated on Sleepy Immortal Mountain in Guiyang Village, Guiyang Township, at an elevation of 1,048 meters, 68 kilometers from the county seat of Dehua. It was built in the first year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1368) and has a history of over 600 years. In April of the 17th year of the Wanli era (1589), Lin Guifeng succeeded as the leader of Taiping Fort, where he repaired over 50 zhang (approximately 160 meters) of the fortress walls and constructed new east and west gates. From the 45th year of the Wanli era (1617) to the 3rd year of the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty (1853), the fort was renovated four times, eventually forming its current layout of over 9,600 square meters, with walls ranging from 1.8 to 15 meters high and a perimeter of about 400 meters.

Taiping Fort sits majestically atop Sleepy Immortal Mountain, overlooking the main road from Dehua County through Guiyang Township to Shuikou Town. The fort is surrounded by steep and rugged terrain, historically accessible only by a narrow, winding path — truly embodying the saying “one man can hold the pass against ten thousand.”

Taiping Fort was collectively built by the prominent Lin clan of Guiyang Township. According to clan records, during the Qing Dynasty, the fort at its peak had 27 houses, including the Lin ancestral hall, family residences, a library for scholars, shops, and more, housing around 65 families with nearly 500 people. The houses were built along the mountain’s contours, creating a terraced layout. Within the fort, high walls formed a tight defense, and a deep, mysterious ancient well provided clear spring water. During wartime, the entire clan would gather within the fort to take refuge, using wooden logs and stones to defend against enemies, with every member ready for battle. In those turbulent times, the kind-hearted Lin clansmen built this militarily fortified mountain stronghold, reflecting their hope for peace and tranquility — hence the name “Taiping Fort,” meaning “Fort of Peace.”

At the center of the fort stands the “Mingshi Building,” a two-story structure initially built during the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in the early Qing Dynasty. Solemn and dignified, it houses the spirit tablets of the Lin ancestors and commemorates their achievements. Recently, it has been refurbished with funds raised by clan members, costing tens of thousands of yuan. The main gate is usually kept closed and is only opened on special occasions such as ancestral worship ceremonies.

In the late Ming Dynasty, Lin Pengtuan, born in the Mingshi Building, passed the imperial examination and rose to the position of Prefect of Wuding Prefecture in Shandong. Known for his integrity and love for the people, he earned widespread respect. After returning home in glory, he built a residence at what is now the site of Guiyang Township, which locals later referred to as “Guantingyang” (Official Hall Field).

The first successful imperial scholar (jinshi) of Taiping Fort was Lin Mo, personally selected by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. Born in the 3rd year of the Shunzhi era (1646), he passed the provincial examination in the 5th year of the Kangxi era (1666) and became a jinshi in the 12th year of the Kangxi era (1673), during the Guiyou year. He co-edited the Dehua County Annals and led the clan in defending the fort against external threats. Later, he served as Magistrate of Xingning County in Huguang (now Zixing County, Hunan) and Magistrate of Puning County in Guangdong. Throughout his tenure, he showed empathy for the people, promoted beneficial policies, and eliminated corrupt practices, earning the reputation of being a “blue sky” (a just and fair official)...

The green hills remain, having witnessed countless sunsets. In these peaceful and prosperous times, after over 600 years of history, Taiping Fort—as a product of its era—has long lost its military significance, and its once-isolated living environment is no longer suited to today’s rapidly changing world. The ancient fort now seems much quieter; many residents have left their generations-old mountain homes to resettle at the foot of the mountain or move into cities. However, 16 households with nearly 100 people still remain, unwilling to part with their homeland and clinging to their ancestral legacy.