Deep within the heart of Beijing, nestled near the Fragrant Hills, lies the Tuancheng Fortress. It’s not just a fortress. It’s a time capsule, whispering tales of the Qing dynasty’s glory. The Tuancheng Fortress, also known as the Round Wall Fortress, was built in 1749 during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor. This wasn’t a fortress designed for war. It was a training ground, a place to showcase the might and precision of the Qing army. Imagine the spectacle. Soldiers marching in perfect formation, their movements a symphony of discipline. The air thick with anticipation as they prepared for the emperor’s inspection.
The Tuancheng Fortress is remarkably well-preserved. You can almost hear the echoes of the past as you walk through its gates. The fortress is now a national museum, called the Tuancheng Exhibition Hall. It houses fascinating artifacts from the Qianlong era. Copies of imperial couches, battle-axes, gongs, and even the emperor’s personal weapons are on display. There’s even a portrait of Emperor Qianlong, painted by the Italian artist Lan Shining.
One of the most striking features of the Tuancheng Fortress is its circular drill hall, known as the Peach Garden. It’s surrounded by a moat, adding to the fortress’s grandeur. The design of the watchtowers is particularly interesting. They were based on local watchtowers built to resist the Qing’s own expansion. Qianlong had these towers replicated at Tuancheng Fortress to train a special troop. This troop, known as the Smart Scaling Ladder Troop, specialized in scaling these very towers, turning a symbol of resistance into a testament to their skill. The Tuancheng Fortress remains a vibrant hub of activity. It frequently hosts large-scale martial arts events, drawing crowds from all over China. The spirit of the Qing army lives on, not in warfare, but in the artistry and athleticism of martial arts. The Tuancheng Fortress stands as a powerful reminder of the Qianlong era. It’s a place where history comes alive, where you can immerse yourself in the grandeur of imperial China.