Hulishan Fortress Xiamen 2026: Ticket, Cannon & Sea Wall
Hulishan Fortress is a Qing-era coastal fort with a huge Krupp cannon. Learn the ticket, the route and how to get there in 2026.
Hulishan Fortress is a Qing-era coastal fort at the start of the Island Ring Road. Its claim to fame is a huge 19th-century Krupp cannon, still mounted on site. You walk the sea walls, the tunnels and the cannon terrace with the water behind you. The ticket is about $3.50, and the fort is small but solid.
Intro: why go
The fort is a quick, concrete slice of history with a great sea view. You see how late-imperial China defended the coast, then step onto the walls for the open water. It is an easy add-on to a Ring Road bike or walk, and less crowded than the temples.
Tickets & booking
The standard ticket is about $3.50 per adult; verify on site, as rates can shift. The ticket covers the fort, the cannon hall and the sea walls. No reservation is needed for general entry. Buy at the gate desk or via the local app on arrival.
How to get there & in-site route
- Reach: metro line 1 to Zhenhai Road, then a short DiDi to the fort gate, or bike south along the Island Ring Road.
- The route that works: enter the gate tunnel, climb to the Krupp cannon terrace, walk the sea wall, then exit to the coast path. Allow 1–1.5 hours.
- Combine: the Ring Road beach is a 5-minute walk south.
- Paths are paved with some steps to the upper terrace.
Facilities
Toilets and a drink stall sit near the entrance. Shade is limited on the walls, so bring water and a hat. The lower court is flat; the cannon terrace has steps. Card and Alipay work at the desk; carry cash too.
Best season & seasonal pros and cons
- Oct–Apr: cool and clear, best for the open walls.
- May–Sep: hot; go early and use the shaded tunnels.
- Typhoon days: the sea wall may close in strong wind.
- Holidays: quieter than Gulangyu; mornings are calm.
Tips & scams
- Buy at the official gate; ignore ticket resellers outside.
- The cannon is the highlight — budget time on the upper terrace.
- For the classic shot, frame the gun with the sea behind it at morning light.
Frequently asked questions
- How much is Hulishan Fortress?
- About $3.50 per adult at the standard rate (verify on site, as prices can shift). The ticket covers the fort, the cannon hall and the sea walls.
- How do I get there?
- It sits at the start of the Island Ring Road, southeast of the core. Metro line 1 to Zhenhai Road plus a short DiDi, or a bike along the coast, reaches the gate.
- What is the big cannon?
- It is a late-19th-century Krupp breech-loading gun, one of the largest of its kind still on site. You can see it up close on the upper terrace.
- How long should I spend?
- About 1–1.5 hours covers the cannon, the tunnels and the sea wall. It pairs well with a walk or ride on the nearby Island Ring Road.
- Is it good for photos?
- Yes. The sea walls and the cannon against the water make strong shots. Go in the morning for clear light and fewer tour groups.
Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18. Ticket seasons and crowd seasons are different things — this page states both where they differ.