Lost in time stands Old Baoshan City. Its weathered remnants whisper tales of centuries past. This is more than just a ruin. This is a monument to resilience a testament to Shanghai’s complex history.
Old Baoshan City wasn’t always in its current location in Gaoqiao Town. Initially it was a navigational beacon a man-made mountain. In the Ming Dynasty specifically during the Yongle period 1412 AD officials built a 30-meter-high earthen mound. They placed signal fires atop it. Smoke by day fire by night guided ships safely through the treacherous waters. Emperor Yongle bestowed the name Baoshan Mountain upon this man-made landmark. A temple and a beacon were constructed. This is the origin of the name Baoshan.
Fast forward to the Ming Dynasty 1576 AD. To counter pirate attacks a fortified city Baoshan Garrison City was built to the west. It served as a crucial military base. This first Baoshan City was significant. It marked Shanghai’s earliest defense structures. Unfortunately a major flood in 1582 AD destroyed the city and the surrounding seawalls.
The city rose again in 1669 AD. It was rebuilt stronger. This is the Baoshan City you see today. It had walls stretching four hundred and ninety-five meters or about 3.3 kilometers. The city boasted four grand gates and a network of streets within its walls. The city was functional. It had residential areas and military installations.
Disaster struck again in 1732 AD. A typhoon severely damaged the city. The destruction was enormous. Local villagers resisted the government’s plans to dismantle the ruins. Their determination ensured that Old Baoshan City survived.
By the 1960s all but the South Gate had been demolished. A downpour in October 1976 miraculously prevented the destruction of this gate. The South Gate remains today. It is a poignant reminder of the city’s past. Recent renovations have strengthened the surviving walls.
Today Old Baoshan City stands enclosed in a modern residential complex. You’ll notice a two-gated structure. These gates are sealed. You can only glimpse the ancient city through the gaps in this metal fence. Walk around the ruins. Notice the preserved storage facilities. Their presence offers a glimpse into the city’s daily life. This is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living legacy a tangible connection to a turbulent and fascinating past.