A historian discovered an ancient fortress dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in Fuxin, a city located in northwest Liaoning. After further research and examination, the fortress was believed to be a garrison where Tang troops were stationed.
Liu Guoyou, a historian in Fuxin, found the site of the Tang Dynasty fortress on a stone hill in Fuxin's Mongolian Autonomous County of Zhalanyingzi. Although more than 1,500 years have elapsed, the relics of the ancient fortress could still be seen clearly on the hill. East of the hilltop, there is a semicircular city wall with a radius of about two kilometers.
Entirely made of stones, the ancient city wall has lost much of its magnificence with the change of the time. On the highest point of the city stands a beacon tower that was used to observe the enemy in wartime. Remains of the city gate were also found.
According to historical records, a Tang garrison, more than 30,000 strong, was once posted in Fuxin. Liu said that besides Zhalanyingzi County, a Tang fortress site was discovered in another county in Fuxin, named Dawujiazi.
Liu said that this Tang ancient military fortress testified to the history of the Tang Dynasty. However, the historical value of the fortress required further research. During the last 1,500 years, historical relics in Fuxin witnessed huge transformations. The ancient military fortress that has lived till this day is indeed a rare and precious tourism resource.
(Chinanews.cn February 3, 2005)
