Discovering the Hejin City Fortress
In November 2023, I stumbled upon an article about an ancient, mysterious site that captured my imagination. This place, seemingly untouched by mainstream historians and archaeologists, featured what looked like a floating door on a flat-topped mountain. The image was surreal—a blend of natural and man-made elements that begged further exploration. The viral video I created about this site only fueled my curiosity and that of the public.
The Journey to Uncover its Ancient Secrets
This enigmatic site, which I later named the Hejin City Fortress, is nestled in Hejin City (河津 城市), Shanxi Province, China (It’s coordinates are 35°34’48″N 110°47’18″E). Despite its apparent historical significance, it lacked an official name and was shrouded in mystery. Various local names like ‘Longmen Fortress’ and ‘Wiezhaung Village Castle’ added to its allure, with some even dubbing it a ‘Nephilim Hideout.’
Collaboration and Exploration with Jihao
Driven by a relentless quest for knowledge, I embarked on a meticulous search to uncover the secrets of this ancient fortress. My journey led me to discover another undocumented site, the Jiulong Cliff Tombs, which further highlighted the vast number of unexplored historical sites in China.
To aid in my exploration, I turned to Upwork to hire freelancers who could physically visit these remote locations. This is how I met Jihao, a local enthusiast eager to explore the unknown. Together, we documented several significant sites, sharing our findings through videos that sparked discussions about the potential withholding of information on Chinese history by the government.
Challenges and Revelations at Hejin City
Jihao’s adventurous spirit led him to Hejin City, where he faced the challenges of difficult terrain and a collapsed slope due to recent rains. Despite these obstacles, a local man guided him to the fortress using an alternative route known only to him. This local shared that the fortress served as a defense against bandits in ancient times, utilizing a strategic single entrance to create a choke point—a classic defensive tactic in military architecture.
Architectural Insights and Strategic Design
The fortress’s design and location on a challenging landscape made it a formidable fortification from every angle. Inside, the fortress was even more impressive. The steep climb to the single entrance and the potential secondary exit or entry point suggested sophisticated planning and knowledge of defensive architecture.
The local man’s stories aligned with those from the original article I read, adding credibility to the oral histories surrounding the fortress. Despite the growing interest and additional online content, no formal archaeological study had been conducted, leaving many questions unanswered.
From Jihao’s visit and our ongoing research, we began piecing together the history and purpose of the Hejin City Fortress. The fortress’s strategic location and construction techniques suggested it was a significant military site, potentially dating back to medieval times, given the architectural similarities to other historical military structures in China.
The use of bricks at the entrance could indicate a construction period around the Ming Dynasty, known for its use of grey bricks. However, the exact age of the fortress remains speculative without formal archaeological studies.
Historical Context and Local Legends
Local legends and historical contexts provided by the residents of Hejin City suggested that the fortress might have been used as a refuge during various conflicts, including potential raids by Japanese pirates historically referred to as “Wokou” and later during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
The fortress not only served as a military bastion but also as a community shelter. Cave dwellings within the structure could have housed locals and their livestock during sieges or attacks, a common practice in ancient fortifications.
The Unanswered Questions of Hejin City Fortress
Despite the lack of official recognition and academic research, the Hejin City Fortress stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of its builders. Its strategic design and the mysteries surrounding its history continue to intrigue and inspire those who, like myself, are passionate about uncovering the past.
Continuing the Quest for Knowledge
As I continue to explore and document these ancient sites, the true nature and history of the Hejin City Fortress remain open to interpretation and discovery. Whether it was a formidable fortress, a community haven, or something entirely different, its story is waiting to be told. The journey to uncover the secrets of Hejin City Fortress is just beginning, and I am committed to bringing its hidden history to light.
Find out more and get involved
If you can help, or would like to get involved in bringing more attention to this site and perhaps even study it, please email me.
You can watch the full video on my YouTube Channel here
Also you can find some of these images in a higher resolution, free to use with credit (please credit the brainchamber.com with a clickable link) on my Wikipedia Commons page here. If you would like to use drone footage or videos please email me.
Neural Pathways is a collective of seasoned experts and researchers with a profound passion for unraveling the enigmas of ancient history and artifacts. With a wealth of combined experience spanning decades, Neural Pathways has established itself as a leading voice in the realm of archaeological exploration and interpretation.
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