A Century-Old Coastal Defense Secret Hidden in Downtown Dalian! A Deep Exploration Guide to the Fort Hill Ruins

When you come to Dalian, don’t just rush to Xinghai Square! The Fort Hill Ruins next to Siergou in Zhongshan District hold the lingering historical charm of the mountains embracing the sea. It’s a triple treasure spot privately cherished by locals for "kid-friendly outings + nostalgia + scenic views." Best of all, it’s free and less crowded. Travel bloggers have personally tested it and recommend adding it to your itinerary. Hiking Route: A Natural Oxygen Bar in the City Fort Hill is only 204 meters high, making the climb friendly for both elderly and children. The most recommended route starts from Huale Square Tram Station, going up the back mountain behind Haichang Xincheng residential area. The 2-kilometer path takes about 35 minutes to reach the summit. In spring, the trail is fragrant with locust flowers, filling the air with a sweet scent; in autumn, wild fruits hang heavily on the branches, and you might occasionally spot squirrels darting through the woods. Rest benches are set along the way, so you can sit down and catch your breath while enjoying the distant shimmering sea. The entire path is shaded by trees, making it especially cool to walk in summer. However, be cautious as some sections lack guardrails, so extra care is needed when bringing kids; mosquitoes are more common on the mountain, so it’s advisable to bring insect repellent in spring and autumn. If you find hiking troublesome, you can also navigate directly to "Fort Hill Ruins" by car, with free parking available at the foot of the mountain. Ruins Exploration: Touching a Century of Coastal Defense Memory At the summit, the 6,000-square-meter fort ruins unfold before you, with eight gun emplacements arranged in a semicircle—five facing north, two south, and one guarding the ammunition depot entrance. Although the main cannons are gone, the sunken bases of these concrete emplacements still evoke the image of the once cannon-filled site. The weathered marks on the walls tell stories of its origins in the late Qing Dynasty, reconstruction by the Japanese army, and the 1942 incident when American planes were shot down here. It’s a vivid living testimony for studying modern military history. On the east side, two barracks ruins and on the west side, four barracks ruins are well preserved, with stone walls and gray tiles faintly revealing the old camp layout. Scan the QR code beside the ruins to unlock an online guide; the deep corridors of the ammunition depot and the firing ports of the anti-aircraft machine gun positions each tell tales of past battles. Unexpectedly, tombstones of early settlers who migrated to Northeast China can be found among the hills, adding a layer of cultural depth to this military history. Spectacular Views: Half Mountain, Half Sea, Half City The viewing platform on Fort Hill offers what can be called a "panoramic frame of Dalian." From the pavilion at the summit, you can see the dense skyscrapers of the Donggang Business District to the north, with the outlines of Erqi Square and Sanba Square clearly visible; to the south, Sanshan Island floats on the sea, and ships shuttle back and forth in Dayao Bay. The evening is the most stunning time, as the sunset dyes the sky orange and pink, city lights gradually turn on, and the sea reflects the afterglow. Every snapshot feels like a cinematic masterpiece. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of the silhouette of the cross-sea bridge in the distance, capturing the collision of mountain, sea, and city in one frame. Travel Tips: Locals’ Private Guide Transportation: Get off at the final stop of Bus 526 and walk, or take the subway nearby then a 10-minute taxi ride. Driving and navigating to "Fort Hill Ruins" is even more convenient. Best Time: The most beautiful seasons are spring when locust flowers bloom or autumn when the forest is ablaze with color. Early morning or evening offers soft light, perfect for photos and sightseeing. Nearby Activities: After descending, visit the old street area of Siergou, or head straight to Donggang for night views. Don’t miss a seafood feast at a local food stall for a fulfilling and pleasant trip. This silent hill carries the weight of military history and the freshness of the city’s green lungs. Here, you climb the mountain, enjoy the scenery, and read the history. Avoid the crowds and come to Fort Hill for a rendezvous with mountains, sea, and time—you will surely discover a unique surprise in your Dalian journey.