Envision yourself transported back to the Ming Dynasty here at Gaoling Fortress. Gaoling Fortress stands as a testament to a bygone era. It is a complete military fortress. It sprawls across 110,000 square meters. The fortress is on the shoreline of Shenzhen’s Dapeng New District.
Built in 1394, Gaoling Fortress served a vital purpose. General Zhang Bin constructed it to resist Japanese pirates. Its primary function was safeguarding the area. This area now includes part of Hong Kong and eastern Shenzhen.
Gaoling Fortress later became an important military base. It served both the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its significance waned after 1898. China and Britain signed an agreement then. This agreement expanded Hong Kong’s border. Britain then occupied Hong Kong.
Despite over 600 years of history, Gaoling Fortress remains largely intact. It stands as a town with Ming and Qing styles. Homes, temples, shops, and courtyards look much as they did centuries ago. Walking these narrow stone streets, you will find former generals’ mansions. They feature black tiles. Exquisite carvings adorn the window panels and eaves.
Migrants, not soldiers, now live in most of the 1,000-plus houses. Many locals have moved out. They sought better homes. However, some remain. They are unwilling to leave their ancestors’ homes. You might still spot Hakka women here. They wear traditional hats. These are round, wide-brimmed bamboo hats edged with dark blue cloth.
One of the best-preserved mansions is that of General Lai Enjue. He led Chinese troops in fishing boats. They defeated better-equipped British troops off Kowloon in 1839. This naval battle is widely considered the start of the Opium Wars.
To honor General Lai Enjue, the emperor built him a 2,500-square-meter mansion in Gaoling Fortress. In 1844, he inscribed “Mansion of General Zhenwei” above the gate. The inscription remains visible today.
Gaoling Fortress also features a small museum near the entrance. Photos, illustrations, and ancient books guide visitors. They tell the history of Gaoling Fortress. The fortress earned recognition as a protected historical site in 2001. It is the only site in Shenzhen listed so far.
Dapeng Fortress defended the Thousand Household City. Its main function was resisting pirate invasions. The main dialect here is Dapeng dialect. It is a mix of Hakka and Cantonese. In the Qing dynasty, Dapeng defended the Thousand Households City. It served as Dapeng Marine Master Camp.
During the Daoguang period, Gaoling Fortress was a stronghold in the Opium War against Britain. The Qing dynasty promoted the Dapeng camp stationed here. There were two battalions. The headquarters and left battalion were in Dapeng city. The right battalion was stationed in Tung Chung.
Today, Gaoling Fortress offers a unique glimpse into China’s rich past. It blends history, culture, and everyday life. Take a moment to appreciate the stories. The stories are embedded in these ancient walls. They whisper tales of battles, resilience, and the passage of time.