Hechuan Travel Guide: The Heroic City of Three Rivers and Diaoyu Fortress

1.Introduction: The Gateway to Northwest Chongqing Hechuan District is strategically located at the intersection of the Jialing River, Fu River, and Qu River, serving as the northern gateway to Chongqing's main urban area. Historically, it has been a vital hub for water transportation and military defense in the Sichuan-Chongqing region. The name "Hechuan" (Combined Rivers) perfectly encapsulates its geography, where three mighty rivers merge, creating a landscape defined by abundant water and rolling hills. While modern Hechuan is a bustling urban district, its soul is deeply anchored in its glorious and turbulent past, specifically the legendary resistance during the Song-Yuan wars.

2.Diaoyu Fortress: The Citadel that Changed the World The defining feature of Hechuan is the Diaoyu Fortress (Diaoyucheng), located on Diaoyu Mountain, approximately 5 kilometers south of the Jialing River. This site is not merely a local attraction but a monument of global historical significance. In the 13th century, during the Mongol Empire's expansion, this fortress held out for 36 years against the most powerful army in the world. It is the place where the Great Khan Möngke (Meng Ge) of the Mongol Empire died during the siege, an event that forced the withdrawal of Mongol armies from Europe and Africa to return for the succession struggle, thereby altering the course of world history.

A Masterpiece of Military Architecture Walking through the ruins of Diaoyu Fortress is like stepping into a living museum of medieval military strategy. The fortress utilized the steep, natural cliffs of the mountain to create an impregnable defense system. The Huguo Gate (Protector of the Nation Gate) is the most magnificent pass in the fortress. Standing atop this gate, visitors can look down at the sheer cliffs and the surging Jialing River below, understanding immediately why this stronghold was so difficult to conquer. The gate served as a critical checkpoint in the city's defense system. The fortress was not just a wall; it was a fully functioning city designed for long-term survival. Inside, you can find the ruins of the Imperial Palace, which, although damaged, still display the grandeur of the past through high foundation stones and broken columns. This area served as the command center where generals debated strategies and boosted morale. Another testament to the ingenuity of the defenders is the Navy Wharf. Located by the river, this site was used to dock warships and launch water-based counterattacks. The image of waves crashing against the shore evokes the fierce naval battles that once took place here, where Song soldiers fought bravely against the invaders.

3.The Legend of the Fishing Platform: The name "Diaoyu" translates to "Fishing." The Diaoyu Platform (Fishing Platform) is a legendary site within the fortress built upon a cliff with a wide, open view. Legend has it that during the most difficult period of the siege, when the Mongol army believed the city was starving, the defenders cast their lines here. They caught huge fish and threw them, along with steamed buns, down to the besieging Mongol troops, accompanied by a letter stating that even if they besieged the city for another ten years, they could not conquer it. This act of psychological warfare shattered the enemy's morale and gave the site its enduring name and mystique.

Historical Figures and The Spirit of Resistance The history of Hechuan is written in the blood and sweat of its defenders. Generals like Wang Jian and Zhang Jue are immortalized here. Wang Jian, noted for his wisdom and bravery, commanded the defense that repelled numerous enemy assaults. Zhang Jue continued the defense in the later years, eventually surrendering only to save the civilian population from slaughter, a decision that highlights the complex humanity within the brutal context of war. The fortress is a symbol of the unyielding spirit of the Chinese people, representing resilience, loyalty, and strategic brilliance. The fortress also houses the Nine-Pot Ruins (Jiu Kou Guo), which were used by the Song army to grind gunpowder. These large stone pits remain as silent witnesses to the military technology of the time and the cruelty of the warfare that took place.

4.Cultural Fusion and Natural Beauty: Beyond its military significance, Hechuan and its fortress display a unique fusion of cultures. The site contains Huguo Temple and Zhongyi Ancestral Hall, where incense smoke curls upwards, offering a sense of peace that contrasts with the city's martial history. It reflects the coexistence of Buddhism, Daoism, and military culture. The natural scenery of Hechuan is equally captivating. The three rivers provide a constant, rhythmic backdrop to the city's life. The mountains are lush and green year-round, with flowers blooming in spring and red maple leaves covering the hills in autumn. The landscape is a "Mountain City" in miniature, with roads winding around hills and buildings standing tall against the riverbanks. Today, Hechuan stands as a guardian of this profound heritage. It is a city where every stone in the fortress wall tells a story of heroism, and every wave in the Jialing River carries the echoes of the past. It is a destination that offers not just sightseeing, but a deep dialogue with history, allowing visitors to touch the pulse of a civilization that withstood the ultimate test of survival.