Changsha Fort

Changsha Fort

Changsha Fort is located at the mouth of Changsha Harbor in Machong Town, urban district of Shanwei City. In the ninth year of the Jiaqing reign during the Qing Dynasty (1804), Magistrate Zhang Zaiying relocated the fort originally situated on the north side of Chao Sha Village to the mouth of Changsha Harbor, where Changsha Fort was subsequently built. The platform is elliptical in shape, stretching 50 meters from east to west and 40 meters from north to south, covering an area of 2,000 square meters. Built along the mountainous terrain, it was outfitted with ten coastal defense cannons. The fort’s surrounding wall stands 5.2 meters high and is constructed from granite blocks. It also includes three barracks and three watchtowers. A main gate is located on the eastern wall, with a stone plaque above the gate inscribed with the characters “镇海” (meaning “Suppress the Sea”). Occupying a strategic military position along the ancient maritime defense line, the fort guarded a critical point with a commanding view, serving as an important defensive stronghold in ancient times.