The Castle in the Clouds: A Tusi Fortress Hidden in the Ailaoshan Mountains at Longxi Shizu Manor

A Fortress in the Sky

1.Hidden deep within the rolling peaks of the: Ailaoshan Mountains in Xinping County, Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, lies a magnificent architectural wonder known as the Longxi Shizu Manor (Longxi Noble Manor). Perched at an altitude of 1,600 meters in Yaonan Village, Gasa Town, this manor feels like a castle suspended in time and clouds. It overlooks the deep Red River valley below and is backed by the vast, primitive forests of the Ailaoshan National Nature Reserve. Unlike typical residential compounds, this manor is a defensive fortress that dominated the region during a turbulent era. It stands as a testament to the legendary "Tusi" (native chieftain) system and the local gentry's power, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the history of the "Mountain King" who once ruled this rugged terrain.

The Legend of the "Mountain King"

2.The manor was built by the: Li family, specifically by Li Runzhi, the last hereditary Tusi and a powerful local warlord during the Republic of China era. The Li family, originally from Longxi (in present-day Gansu), migrated here during the Qing Dynasty. Through generations of accumulating wealth—largely derived from the lucrative trade along the Ancient Tea Horse Road that passed right through their territory—they established a "kingdom" in the mountains. The manor is not just a home; it is a symbol of authority, wealth, and the complex history of ethnic relations and governance in the borderlands of Yunnan. Walking through its heavy gates, visitors can almost hear the echoes of the horse caravans and the hustle of a bygone era when this remote location was a bustling hub of power and trade.

Architectural Marvel: A Golden Fortress

The manor is an architectural masterpiece that blends traditional Han Chinese styles with local ethnic minority aesthetics and Western defensive elements. The complex is designed as a fortress, featuring high walls, watchtowers, and a layout described as "three rounds and one bottom" (referring to the arrangement of courtyards and buildings). The structure is divided into three main sections: the old yamen (government office), the new yamen, and the ancestral hall, comprising numerous rooms and courtyards connected by corridors. The attention to detail is staggering, with exquisite wood and stone carvings adorning the doors, windows, and pillars. The design also incorporates defensive tunnels and shooting holes, reflecting the need for security in such a wild and strategic location. It is considered the best-preserved and most characteristic landlord manor in central Yunnan.

The Ancient Tea Horse Road and Nature

The manor's existence is deeply tied to the Ancient Tea Horse Road. The section of the road passing through the Ailaoshan mountains was a vital trade artery connecting the tea-producing regions of Yunnan to the rest of the world. Remnants of this stone-paved path can still be found in the surrounding forests, marked by the deep hoof prints of pack horses. Beyond history, the area offers breathtaking natural beauty. The manor is the gateway to the Ailaoshan National Nature Reserve, home to primitive forests, waterfalls like the majestic Nan'en Waterfall, and the mysterious Shimen Gorge. In winter and spring, the spectacular Sea of Clouds often envelops the mountains, making the manor appear as if it is floating on a white ocean.