Ancient Fortresses on Youfu Mountain

Ancient Fortresses on Youfu Mountain

The Ancient Fortresses on Youfu Mountain are a cultural relic protection unit of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Ancient Fortresses on Youfu Mountain

Youfu Mountain, also known as Golden Rooster Mountain, is located to the west of Youyi Pass and stands at an elevation of 511 meters. With sheer cliffs on its southwestern sides, the mountain features steep and rugged terrain. At its summit are three peaks arranged in a tripod formation, making it a strategic military stronghold for defending the pass. Troops have been heavily stationed here throughout history. Climbing the mountain offers breathtaking views of the captivating landscapes across the China-Vietnam border.

After the victory at the Battle of Zhennan Pass during the Sino-French War, Su Yuanchun selected this mountain to construct three fortresses—Zhenbei, Zhongzhong, and Zhennan—to strengthen the defense of the China-Vietnam border. The fortresses were built against the mountain’s contours, all constructed from finely fitted bluestone. In addition to being equipped with a German-made 12-inch rotating cannon capable of a 180-degree range, each fortress also had an underground bunker used for storing ammunition and provisions, as well as for soldiers’ accommodation.

In 1907, the great democratic revolutionary pioneer Dr. Sun Yat-sen launched the shocking Zhennan Pass Uprising on Golden Rooster Mountain. This was the only uprising in his lifetime of anti-Qing revolutionary activities that he personally commanded and fought in. In 1981, the Ancient Fortresses on Youfu Mountain were listed as a key cultural relic protection unit of Guangxi.