Like most protected historical structures in China, there is a short introduction on an aluminium plate right by the entrance.
During the Yihetuan Movement (义和团运动), an uprising that took place at the turn of the 20th century and which opposed imperialism and activities associated with foreign missionaries, two Dutch priests found refuge in this fortress in 1900. They prayed the virgin Mary and asked for her protection.
Still alive in 1902 when the movement also known as the Boxer rebellion was finally over, they erected this church in memory of Our Lady of the Rosary (玫瑰圣母).
