Fan Lau Fort

Fan Lau Fort

Known in historical records as Kai Yik Kok Fort, Lantau Fort, or Shek Sun Fort, Fan Lau Fort is located on a 70-meter-high plateau at the end of Fan Lau Peninsula on the southwestern tip of Lantau Island in the New Territories of Hong Kong, covering an area of approximately 966 square meters. Some scholars believe this fort was initially built during the Ming Dynasty to defend against pirates, while others argue it was constructed in the Qing Dynasty to combat opium traders. Regardless, Fan Lau Fort has been confirmed as the earliest-built fort in Hong Kong. After being overgrown with weeds for many years, the British Hong Kong government declared Fan Lau Fort a monument in 1981 and carried out two phases of restoration work.

Belonging to the right battalion of the Dapeng Brigade of the Qing navy, which was stationed in the northern part of Lantau Island, Fan Lau Fort was said to have originally housed twenty barracks and a total of eight cannons. In 1820, there were 48 soldiers stationed there under the command of a lieutenant, but the garrison was later reduced to 30 troops. Following the lease of the New Territories to Britain, the Qing government abandoned Fan Lau Fort. The fort measures about 64 meters in length and 21 meters in width, constructed with granite and blue bricks. The walls are approximately 1 to 4 meters in height and thickness. The gate of the fort, situated on the eastern side, features seven wooden beam holes at the top used for securing the door. Inside, steps lead up to the southern wall for lookout purposes, and an external stone path is also present. Due to its small size, it is believed that the fort was primarily used to station troops for coastal defense duties.

Fan Lau Fort

Must-visit reason: The earliest-built fort in Hong Kong