Previous   Next
Home » Images » 0032 Pictures From History » CPA0015621

China: The Bogue Forts, Pearl River Delta. First Opium War, 1839-1842

China: The Bogue Forts, Pearl River Delta. First Opium War, 1839-1842

The Bocca Tigris, Bogue, or Humen (Chinese: 虎门; pinyin: Hǔmén, literally: 'tiger gate') is a narrow strait in the Pearl River Delta, Guangdong, People's Republic of China, where the Pearl River discharges into the South China Sea. The strait is formed by the islands of Chuenpee (穿鼻) and Anunghoy (阿娘鞋, a.k.a 威远) on the eastern side and Tycocktow (大角头) on the western side. Since 1997, the strait is crossed by the Humen Pearl River Bridge.

Because of its strategic location as a naval gateway to Guangzhou, the strait was traditionally fortified and some major battles in the First Opium War were fought here.

Quick links to other images in this gallery: