Kinmen Travel

L-36 Stronghold is located on the circular cycling path at the northwest corner of Lieyu Island. It was renovated and opened for tourism in 2010. It is named Hongtugou (Red Dirt Gutter) because it is located on the denting side of the shore. There are many real-sized soldier statues in different poses, drilling, doing pull-ups, or practicing shooting in prone position. There is also a guard dog on top of the fort. Visitors can pose and take fun pictures with all these sculptures. In addition, one can also gaze afar and see Xiamen and Shiyu. Next to L-36 Stronghold, Maogongshi Beach covered by anti landing barriers is another spot to visit nearby.

During the cross-strait military stalemate, it was expected that L-36 Stronghold will be a place of landing. To preempt and counter such invasion during high tides, the military placed a row of forts here. Inside, there are sleeping quarters for soldiers and ammunition storage. Ten rifle and machine gun posts have been set up to gain full control of the beach. On top of the building there is a lookout and multiple temporary gun posts.

Nowadays, L-36 Stronghold is a well-organized tourist attraction. On a clear day, you can see the ““One Country, Two Systems—Unified China” slogan in downtown Xiamen. L-36 Stronghold is also the closest spot to Shiyu. Don’t forget to take a look at Shiyu with binoculars when you’re here.