Tumu Fort

Tumu Fort

Tumu Fort is a cultural tourism attraction.

Tumu Fort was originally named Tongmo Town and was built during the late Tang Dynasty. In the 14th year of the Zhengtong era (1449 AD), Emperor Yingzong of Ming, under the coercion of the eunuch Wang Zhen, led 550,000 troops from the capital to resist the invading Oirat forces. Soon after, the army retreated, and a fierce battle broke out between the Ming forces at Tumu Fort and the Oirats. Due to the lack of water in the fort, and with a river located 15 li to the south occupied by the Oirats, the Ming troops dug wells but found no water, leading to low morale. The Oirat cavalry then entered through Mayukou, resulting in the total annihilation of the Ming army and the capture of Emperor Yingzong. This event is known in history as the famous “Tumu Crisis.”

The castle was also destroyed. Due to its strategic location, it was rebuilt in the 45th year of the Jiajing era (1566 AD) and the 3rd year of the Longqing era (1569 AD), and has been preserved to this day. The castle is square-shaped, with a perimeter of 2 kilometers. The city walls of the southern and northern gates are 8 meters high and 5 meters thick, with towering corner towers on all four sides, making for a spectacular sight. The streets inside the fort and the Martyrs’ Shrine are still relatively well-preserved.

Address: Tumu Fort Village, Huailai County, Zhangjiakou City

Phone: 0313-6860983, 6860632