Zunyi, Guizhou Province

The Lost Citadel of the Tusi: Conquering the Sky-High Fortress of Hailongtun

📸Photography 🧗Adventure 🏯Old Towns

Altitude

1,150m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

UNESCO

Cultural

ℹ️

About This Attraction

Hailongtun Fortress, located on Longyan Mountain in Gaoping Town, Huichuan District, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, is a magnificent and mysterious medieval military castle often referred to as "China's Machu Picchu.",. As the only well-preserved Tusi (chieftain) castle ruins in China, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 (as part of the "Tusi Sites"), representing the pinnacle of the Tusi system that governed southwest China for centuries,.

The fortress was originally established in 1257 during the Southern Song Dynasty and was extensively expanded during the Ming Dynasty. It served as the military stronghold and administrative center for the Yang family, who ruled the Bozhou region (modern-day Zunyi) for over 700 years,. The site covers a core area of about 1.59 square kilometers and sits at an altitude ranging between 1,354 and 1,500 meters, utilizing the precipitous terrain to create a formidable defensive system known as "One man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot open it",,.

Visiting Hailongtun is a journey through time and a physical test of endurance. The fortress is renowned for its colossal stone architecture, including nine grand passes (such as the Copper Pillar Pass and Iron Pillar Pass) that guard the winding mountain path. The most iconic and breathtaking feature is the "Thirty-Six Step Sky Ladder" leading to the Feihu Pass (Flying Tiger Pass). This incredibly steep staircase, built directly into the cliff, was designed to be nearly impossible for attackers to ascend,,.

Beyond the defensive walls lie the ruins of the Tusi's palaces—the New Palace (Xin Wang Gong) and the Old Palace. Although destroyed in the war of 1600 against the Ming imperial army, the remaining stone foundations, large column bases, and intricate drainage systems evoke the grandeur of a "Forbidden City in the mountains",. The site is shrouded in clouds and mist, surrounded by lush vegetation, adding to its desolate and historical atmosphere. Walking among the moss-covered stones, visitors can imagine the smoke of signal fires and the clash of iron horses from centuries ago, feeling the rise and fall of a powerful dynasty,.

✨ Why Visit Hailongtun Fortress

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UNESCO World Heritage Site

Explore one of the most significant and well-preserved medieval military fortresses in China, recognized globally for its historical value as a Tusi site.

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The "Thirty-Six Step Sky Ladder"

Challenge yourself on the formidable "Sky Ladder," a steep, 45-degree stone staircase leading to the Flying Tiger Pass, showcasing ancient defensive ingenuity.

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Nine Passes of the Fortress

Marvel at the majestic stone gates, including the Copper Pillar Pass (Tongzhu Guan) and Iron Pillar Pass (Tiezhu Guan), which form a layered defensive system along the mountain.

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Tusi Palace Ruins

Wander through the remnants of the New Palace and Old Palace, observing the grand scale, intricate stone carvings, and advanced layout of the Tusi's mountain residence.

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Spectacular Mountain Scenery

Enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of Longyan Mountain, where the ancient stone fortifications blend seamlessly with the sea of clouds and precipitous cliffs.

Location & Nearby

📍 Zunyi, Guizhou Province • 🏔️ 1150m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Hailongtun Fortress Travel Guide

Where is Hailongtun located?

It is located on Longyan Mountain in Gaoping Town, Huichuan District, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, about 20-30 km from the city center,.

What is the historical significance of Hailongtun? It was the military citadel of the Yang family, who ruled the Bozhou region as Tusi chieftains for over 700 years. It witnesses the history of the Tusi system and was destroyed in a famous battle in 1600,.

Is the hike difficult? Yes, it requires a moderate to high level of physical fitness. The path involves climbing many steep stone steps, particularly the "Thirty-Six Step Sky Ladder." Comfortable walking shoes are essential,.

What is the "Thirty-Six Step Sky Ladder"? It is a very steep and narrow stone staircase that serves as the only access to the Flying Tiger Pass. It was designed to be easily defended and is a highlight of the fortress,.

When is the best time to visit? The best time is from April to May and September to October when the weather is pleasant. Summer (June-August) offers lush greenery but can be rainy and slippery.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Hailongtun Fortress?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.