The Mysterious Oriental Ancient Castle: Taoping Qiang Village and the Underground Labyrinth

The "Living Fossil" of Qiang Architecture

1.Located in Li: County (Lixian), Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, roughly 180 kilometers from Chengdu, Taoping Qiang Village is a marvel of ancient engineering and cultural preservation. Dating back to 111 BC during the Western Han Dynasty, this village has stood for over 2,100 years, earning it the reputation of being the "Living Fossil of Qiang Architecture" and the "Mysterious Oriental Ancient Castle". Unlike many ancient sites that are merely museums, Taoping is a living community where approximately 100 households still reside, maintaining traditions that have survived centuries of war and natural disasters. The village is constructed entirely from local yellow mud and stone slabs without the use of nails or drawings, yet it is incredibly sturdy, creating a unified, fortress-like appearance that blends seamlessly with the surrounding mountains,.

A Labyrinth of Light and Stone

2.The architecture of: Taoping is a masterpiece of defensive strategy and communal living. The village features a complex network of 13 above-ground passages and 8 underground tunnels, forming a massive "Bagua" maze that was designed to confuse invaders while allowing villagers to move freely. The houses are interconnected not only by these winding alleys but also by their rooftops, creating a "sky street" that facilitates communication and mutual aid among neighbors. Standing tall amidst the dwellings are the iconic Diaolou (watchtowers), some reaching up to 30 meters high. These towers, built with a slight taper for stability, served as lookout points and storage facilities. The architectural layout is so intricate that strangers entering the village without a guide often find themselves lost in the winding stone corridors, which stay cool in summer and warm in winter,.

The Ancient Underground Water Network

3.One of the most ingenious features of Taoping: Qiang Village is its sophisticated underground water system. A network of stone-covered channels lies beneath the village, guiding fresh water from the snow-capped mountains to every household. This system connects eight ancient wells located throughout the village. In times of peace, it provided a convenient water source and acted as a natural air conditioner to regulate temperature. In times of war, these channels served as a secret escape route and a firefighting mechanism. The sound of rushing water can be heard beneath the stone slabs as you walk through the alleys, a testament to the wisdom of the ancient Qiang people who built this "water grid" over two millennia ago,.

A Sanctuary of Qiang Culture

4.Taoping is a vibrant center for: Qiang culture, known as the "People on the Clouds." The spiritual life of the village is marked by the worship of the White Stone, which is placed on the corners of every roof to ward off evil and bring blessings. Visitors can experience the rich heritage of the Shibi (shamans), who pass down the history and myths of the Qiang people through oral chants and sheepskin drum dances. During festivals like the Qiang New Year (the first day of the tenth lunar month) or the "Mountain Sacrifice Festival," the village comes alive with the rhythmic beats of the Salang dance (Guozhuang), the aroma of roasted whole lamb, and the taste of "Zhajiu" (fermented barley wine) drunk through long straws. Women in the village can often be seen wearing the exquisite "Cloud-Cloud Shoes" and embroidered clothing, showcasing the renowned skill of Qiang Embroidery,,.