A glimpse into the Diaoyu Fortress

Changing the history of the whole world, Diaoyu Fortress in Chongqing has attracted countless visitors, who come to witness its magnificence and the stories of times gone by.

Like many historic sites in China, the name of “Diaoyu Fortress” was derived from an ancient legend. The story goes that during a flood, a group of refugees ran towards the surrounding mountains to avoid the fast rising water. They found themselves starving and exhausted. They prayed to the gods, and a Titan was sent down from the heavens to save them. The Titan stood on a nearby rock and caught fish to feed the victims. Therefore, the rock, along with several mountains, were named “Diaoyu mountains,” in an effort to commemorate the legendary tale.

The Diaoyu Fortress is located at the very top of the Diaoyu Mountains. Three rivers converge in this area, forming a natural military advantage for the Fortress - easy to defend, but hard to attack. The Fortress is famous for its resistance to the Mongol armies in the latter half of the Song Dynasty.

Though the Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, Mongke , conquered Europe, Asia, and Africa to the west, he failed to occupy this small city of 2.5 square kilometers, and was allegedly injured in the battle field, dying a short while later.

The Diaoyu Fortress Battle is a feat of defense in both ancient and modern war history. It claimed Mongke’s life and forced the Mongol Empire to withdraw from the Eurasian battlefield. The Europeans called the Mongolian army the "Scourge of God", and they named Diaoyu Fortress “God’s Folding Scourge Place” or the “Oriental Mecca.”

Today, Diaoyu Fortress has been placed on the World Cultural Heritage Tentative List, and the local government supports its application for World Cultural Heritage. The ancient battlefield has won a second chance of revival, attracting visitors around the globe.