Site of the Ancient Fort in Hekou County, Honghe

The Ancient Fort Site (古炮台遗址) is located in Hekou County (河口县), within the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) of Yunnan Province (云南省). This historical site, established during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (清光绪年间) between 1857 and 1908, spans an area of 1,000 square meters. The fort features a cylindrical, two-story reinforced concrete structure that stands 11 meters tall and has a diameter of 12.5 meters. It includes three gun emplacements facing different directions and three observation windows on the upper level. The lower level contains a basement measuring 4 meters long, 3 meters wide, and over 1 meter deep. Two iron cannons and one bronze cannon, originally cast in Britain, are preserved at the county's cultural relic management office.

Historical Significance

The fort site is situated on Paotai Mountain (炮台山) in the southeastern corner of Hekou County, directly across the river from Vietnam. The fort, originally constructed in 1886, has a rich history of over a century, serving as a military stronghold built by the Chinese people in their struggle against invasion. Its fortress-like structure is approximately 12 meters tall, divided into upper and lower levels, and features an elliptical base with walls 0.8 meters thick, constructed from Western cement.

The fort originally housed gun emplacements and an ammunition depot, utilizing iron cannons marked with English inscriptions, classified as national cultural relics of Grade III by experts. It played a significant role in historical events such as the Anti-French and Anti-Japanese wars, as well as the Hekou Uprising (河口起义) led by Sun Yat-sen (孙中山), contributing to its reputation as a symbol of resistance.

Although the fort's structure was damaged after liberation for various reasons, the base and several ancient iron cannons remain intact. Due to its historical importance and cultural relic protection value, the site was designated a provincial cultural relic protection unit in 1991. Currently, several cannons are displayed in the state museum, with one exhibited at the Hekou Uprising Memorial Museum (河口起义纪念馆).

Location and Accessibility

• Location: On Paotai Mountain (炮台山) in the southeastern corner of Hekou County, Yunnan Province, China.
• Opening Hours: Open all day.
• Admission Fee: Free.

How to Get There

By Train: Hekou is located over 400 kilometers from Kunming (昆明). There are direct trains from Kunming North Railway Station (昆明火车北站) to Hekou and Hanoi (越南河内). Travelers can take the 633 tourist train from Kunming North Station, which takes about 17 hours.

By Bus:

• Sleeper buses take about 10-12 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 70 to 90 yuan.
• The bus fare from Kunming to Hekou is approximately 85 yuan for a fast air-conditioned bus, 45 yuan for a minibus, and 60 yuan for a sleeper bus, with travel times varying between 10 to 14 hours.

Travel Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore the fort is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant.
2. Cultural Respect: As a historical site, visitors should maintain a respectful demeanor, particularly when observing local customs and traditions.
3. Photography: While taking photos, be mindful of other visitors and avoid capturing images of individuals without permission, especially locals in traditional attire.
4. Safety Precautions: Ensure you stay on designated paths while exploring the site, and be cautious when climbing areas with uneven terrain.
5. Local Cuisine: Take the opportunity to enjoy local Yunnan dishes in nearby eateries, as the region is known for its diverse culinary offerings.
6. Weather Considerations: Check the weather forecast before your visit and dress accordingly. Bring water and snacks for the journey, especially if traveling by bus or train.
7. Language: Basic Mandarin knowledge can be helpful, as English may not be widely spoken in rural areas.