Tianlong Ancient Castle (Tianlong Tunbao, å¤©é¾™å±¯å ¡), nestled deep within the rugged mountains of western Anshun City in Guizhou Province, China, embodies centuries of history and cultural heritage. Positioned strategically along the ancient Shunyuan Post Road, a renowned trade route during the Yuan Dynasty, Tianlong Tunbao served as a pivotal outpost for travelers venturing into Yunnan Province.
During the early Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor, dispatched Han soldiers from Jiangsu and Zhejiang to fortify the southern frontier, establishing military garrisons in Tianlong. He also relocated Han artisans and civilians from Nanjing, Jiangxi, and Anhui to settle here, fostering a community steeped in Han culture and traditions for over 600 years.
Despite its modest size, visitors can immerse themselves in Tianlong Ancient Castle’s rich history with just an hour-long exploration. Wander through quaint cobblestone houses and traditional dwellings, marvel at the sight of Tunbao women clad in elegant “Fengyang Han attire,” and witness performances of local folk dramas, notably the “living fossils” of regional theater known as Di Xi.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Tianlong Ancient Castle
- Vlog about Tianlong Ancient Castle
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 55 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 17.30 (1st March – 31st October) 8.30 – 17.30; Last admission: 17.00 (1st November – 28th February) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0851-34295548 |
Location and Transportation
Tianlong Ancient Castle is situated in the western part of Anshun City, within the Pingba District of Guizhou Province, near Yunfeng Tunpu. Nestled deep within the rugged terrain of karst landscapes, this historic town is approximately 72 kilometers away from Guizhou’s capital city, Guiyang.
To reach Tianlong Ancient Castle from Anshun, one can opt for a taxi ride, covering a distance of approximately 25.9 kilometers in about 36 minutes. Alternatively, there are also scheduled buses available from downtown Anshun to Tianlongshan Town, which passes through Tianlong Ancient Castle along the route.
Highlights of Tianlong Ancient Castle
Attire and Language
At the heart of Tianlong Ancient Castle lies a vibrant tapestry of language and attire that reflects the legacy of its inhabitants. The Tunbao dialect, characterized by its rolling tones and rapid pronunciation, resonates with the robustness of military origins, representing a variant of Ming-era Mandarin known as “Anshun Tunbao Dialect.” Meanwhile, the attire of Tunbao women remains faithful to ancestral customs, featuring long robes in a regal sapphire hue adorned with delicate Jiangnan embroidery, showcasing both elegance and cultural continuity. Their pointed embroidered shoes not only reflect the women’s artistic flair but also serve as a tangible link to Ming Dynasty fashion, making Tunbao attire a living artifact for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Stone World
Tianlong Ancient Castle is a testament to the mastery of stonework, with every facet of life intricately intertwined with this enduring material. From the cobblestone paths underfoot to the towering walls and bastions that encircle the settlement, Tunbao is truly a realm of stone. Even the roofs of buildings are crafted from stone, showcasing the community’s profound understanding and utilization of this resource. The resilience and durability of stone played a pivotal role in the construction of Tunbao’s military-centric village, serving as the cornerstone of its defensive architecture. Every aspect of Tunbao’s built environment speaks to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its inhabitants, elevating stone construction to an art form that defines the very essence of the ancient castle.