The Great Hsi-Ku Arsenal was a Qing dynasty imperial arsenal that stored munitions, rifles, and millions of rounds of ammunition. In addition tons of rice and medical supplies were stored there. The facility was guarded by Qing imperial troops using rifles and Krupp field guns mounted as defensive batteries. On the banks of the Hai River, it was located approximately eight miles northwest of Tianjin, China.[1]
It was principal in providing an impromptu safe haven for western troops retreating from a failed rescue attempt (Seymour Relief Expedition) of the Beijing foreign legations during the 1900 Boxer Rebellion in China.