Tongshan Ancient City

　　In the northeastern part of Dongshan Island, there is a vast expanse of sea, which serves as the exit of Dongshan Port. All fishing boats, merchant ships, cargo vessels, and cruise ships entering and leaving Dongshan must pass through this area. As a result, this stretch of water has become the strategic gateway of Dongshan, a contested military stronghold throughout history. Where this sea area connects to the main island of Dongshan lies a massive coastal reef cluster, rugged and uniquely shaped. The waves crash against the rocks, stirring up layers of frothy white spray, creating an awe-inspiring natural spectacle of marine erosion. Growing among the rocks are wind-resistant, sand-proof, and alkali-tolerant trees such as casuarina and acacia, lush and vibrant. Amid the greenery winds a serpentine dragon-like structure, undulating continuously, stretching endlessly, standing majestically on the shores of the East China Sea and safeguarding the tranquility of Dongshan — this is Tongshan Ancient City, one of the Five Major Coastal Fortresses of Fujian.

　　Tongshan Ancient City was built during the Ming Dynasty. According to the *Tongshan Annals*, in the 20th year of the Hongwu reign (1387 AD), Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, sent Marquis of Jiangxia Zhou Dexing to Tongshan to select a strategically defensible location. Laborers were conscripted from Yunxiao, Zhao’an, and Zhangpu to construct the city. They built the fortress along the coastline using stone and encircled the mountain with walls. Upon completion, Tongshan Water Fortress was established here, equipped with a fleet of 46 vessels including fu ships, patrol boats, winter boats, and fast boats, guarded by 141 soldiers. At that time, Tongshan Water Fortress, together with the Beacon Fire Fortress in Funing, Xiaocheng Fortress in Fuzhou, Nanyue Fortress in Putian, and Wuyu Fortress in Quanzhou, were collectively known as the “Five Major Coastal Fortresses of Fujian,” making it one of the most important military defensive strongholds along the Fujian coast.

　　Built along the coastline, Tongshan Ancient City stretches in a long, winding line, exuding a majestic and imposing presence. The original city wall was 571 zhang in circumference, 2.1 zhang high, 1 zhang thick, with 864 battlements and 16 watchtowers. The foundation was constructed with layered dry-stacked stone slabs, while the wall itself was built by ramming a mixture of clay and crushed stones. The ancient city had four gates: the eastern gate named “Morning Light” (晨曦), the western gate “Thoughtful Beauty” (思美), the southern gate “Answering the Sun” (答阳), and the northern gate “Arching toward the Pole” (拱极). Today, the best-preserved section is a part of the eastern wall, extending over 400 meters.

　　Tongshan Ancient City is not only a crystallization of the blood, sweat, and wisdom of the working people but also a heroic and indomitable fortress. For over 600 years, it has endured vicissitudes. Every stone and every corner of the city wall bears witness to the moving and heroic struggles of the people of Dongshan, chronicling the countless wars and devastations it has faced: in the 43rd year of the Jiajing reign (1564) and the 10th year of the Yongli reign (1582), the renowned anti-Wokou general Qi Jiguang led Zhejiang Yiwu troops to establish the “Zhe Troops Camp” on Dongshan Island twice. They held the fortress and repelled Wokou invasions.

　　In the 6th year of the Chongzhen reign (1633), Governor Lu Zhenfei and Commander Xu Yiming, stationed in the city, achieved two major victories against Dutch invaders.

　　In the 21st year of the Daoguang reign (1841), when British imperialists retreated from Humen, they fiercely attacked Tongshan City. The soldiers and civilians of Tongshan rose up in resistance, forcing the British ships to flee in disgrace.

　　During the Anti-Japanese War, the military and civilians of Dongshan repeatedly fought off incursions by Japanese invaders here. The heroic history of Tongshan Ancient City is too rich to fully recount.

　　Standing atop the city wall of Tongshan Ancient City and looking out, the surrounding seas are calm and shimmering, with gentle sea breezes, dotted fishing sails, and ships coming and going. Inside the city, shaded by green trees, winding paths lead to serene spots, with numerous scenic attractions scattered around. Red-walled, green-roofed temples and shrines are nestled among them, while visitors from all directions stroll leisurely, relaxed and content. The clamor of past wars has vanished without a trace, replaced by a scene of peaceful, thriving prosperity.