Diaoyu City (Diaoyucheng Fortress) — Huguo Gate (钓鱼城护国门)

The short answer: Diaoyu City is a 13th-century Song-dynasty mountain fortress on Diaoyu Mountain, standing on a peninsula where the Jialing, Qujiang and Fujiang rivers meet in Hechuan. Tagged a National Scenic Area in 1982, it is famed for holding out against the Mongols for 36 years. Huguo Gate (护国门) is the iconic stone gate and main entry-point on the fortress wall, and is the landmark most associated with the site.

At a glance

Where it is: Diaoyu Mountain, Diaoyucheng Peninsula, Hechuan District, Chongqing
How long to allow: 3–4 hours
Ticket & access: Full adult ticket normally ¥60 (half-price ¥30 for students/seniors and per current promotional price). From 1 Aug 2026 a limited-time promotion lowered the full adult

What it is

Diaoyu City is a 13th-century Song-dynasty mountain fortress on Diaoyu Mountain, standing on a peninsula where the Jialing, Qujiang and Fujiang rivers meet in Hechuan. Tagged a National Scenic Area in 1982, it is famed for holding out against the Mongols for 36 years. Huguo Gate (护国门) is the iconic stone gate and main entry-point on the fortress wall, and is the landmark most associated with the site.

Why it's worth the stop

Legendary 36-year Song defence against the Mongol siege
Huguo Gate — the dramatic stone fortress gate and signature photo spot
Commanding river-confluence views from the mountaintop fortress

Getting there

No metro; take a train/bus to Hechuan, then a local bus or taxi to Diaoyu City. The scenic-area shuttle bus runs ~9 yuan one-way (per 2026 figures).

Tickets and opening hours

Full adult ticket normally ¥60 (half-price ¥30 for students/seniors and per current promotional price). From 1 Aug 2026 a limited-time promotion lowered the full adult ticket to ¥30 until closed areas re-open (drought-related maintenance noted). Opening 8:30–17:00 (last admission 17:00). Buy via the '千古钓鱼城' WeChat mini-program.

Practical details

Where it is: Diaoyu Mountain, Diaoyucheng Peninsula, Hechuan District, Chongqing
How long to allow: 3–4 hours
Book the ¥30 promotional ticket through the official WeChat mini-program and bring photo ID.
Moderate uphill walking inside; wear sturdy shoes and carry water.