The Hongshan Fort from the Ming Dynasty

　　The Hongshan Fort got its name because it is located in the Hongshan area. According to historical records, in ancient times, when illuminated by the setting sun, the mountains here appeared a striking red, hence it was named “Hongshan” (Red Mountain), which was later misheard as “Hengshan” (Transverse Mountain), and thus the “Hongshan Fort” was also once known as the “Hengshan Fort.” It was a defensive fortification within the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall defense system, initially built in the 16th year of the Hongzhi reign of the Ming Dynasty (1503), constructed under the direction of Qin Hui, Minister of Revenue and Commander-in-Chief of Military Affairs in Shaanxi. It has a history of over 500 years. The Hongshan Fort was a garrison town situated adjacent to the Ming Great Wall to the north, built by Shi Yong, the Pacification Commissioner of Ningxia. It stretched 50 li east from Qingshuiying to 20 li west of the Hongshan Fort. Within the Hengshan Fort, 251 soldiers were stationed, along with one fort commandant, one garrison officer, and eight beacon towers (signal fire platforms), overseeing approximately 30 li of the Great Wall from east to west. During peacetime, the Hongshan Fort served as a hub for trade and cultural exchange among various ethnic groups both inside and outside the Great Wall. Although the current Hongshan Fort has endured the ravages of war and the erosion of time, its walls remain largely intact and imposing. Though the barbican gate of the Hongshan Fort has been buried by windblown sand, its grand structure still stands firmly atop the earthen plateau. Within the fortress, the original foundations of buildings can still be seen. Based on the military housing system of the Ming Dynasty—where five soldiers shared one barracks—it is estimated that the Hongshan Fort may have had over 50 such structures. At the terrace site in the northwest corner of the fortress, a large accumulation of broken bricks, tiles, and construction remnants can be found, likely from the residence of the fort commandant. Before being damaged, this might have been a grand and high-grade building.

　　The Hongshan Fort is a garrison town situated adjacent to the Ming Great Wall to the north. According to historical records, the Hongshan Fort was built in the 16th year of the Zhengde reign of the Ming Dynasty (2521 AD), constructed by Shi Yong, the Pacification Commissioner of Ningxia. It stretched 50 li east from Qingshuiying to 20 li west of the Hongshan Fort. Within the Hengshan Fort, 251 soldiers were stationed, along with one fort commandant, one garrison officer, and eight beacon towers (signal fire platforms), overseeing approximately 30 li of the Great Wall from east to west.

　　During peacetime, the Hongshan Fort served as a hub for trade and cultural exchange among various ethnic groups both inside and outside the Great Wall. Although the current Hongshan Fort has endured the ravages of war and the erosion of time, its walls remain largely intact and imposing. Though the barbican gate of the Hongshan Fort has been buried by windblown sand, its grand structure still stands firmly atop the earthen plateau. Within the fortress, the original foundations of buildings can still be seen. Based on the military housing system of the Ming Dynasty—where five soldiers shared one barracks—it is estimated that the Hongshan Fort may have had over 50 such structures. At the terrace site in the northwest corner of the fortress, a large accumulation of broken bricks, tiles, and construction remnants can be found, likely from the residence of the fort commandant. Before being damaged, this might have been a grand and high-grade building.

　　Address: 4 km east of the Shuidonggou Paleolithic Cultural Site, 33 km northeast of Lingwu City, Yinchuan

　　Type: Historical Site

　　Recommended Visiting Time: 10–30 minutes

　　Phone: 0951-5014338

　　Official Website: http://www.shuidonggou.com/

　　Opening Hours:

　　8:00–18:00

　　Ticket Information:

　　No separate ticket required. Included in the Shuidonggou Scenic Area ticket.