The Castle in the Clouds: Discovering the Caravan Legacy and Fortress Architecture of Yisa Ancient Town

The "City in the Sky" on the Red River Ridge

1.Located in Honghe: County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Yisa Ancient Town (Yisa Guzhen) is a spectacular settlement perched precariously on a mountain ridge between the steep valleys of the Red River and the Sahim River. Often referred to as the "City in the Sky" or the "Castle in the Clouds," Yisa sits at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, commanding breathtaking views of the river valleys below. Historically known as "Jiangwai" (Beyond the River), this town was once a dry and desolate slope. However, through the resilience of its people and the prosperity brought by the Caravan (Ma Bang) trade, it transformed into a wealthy and fortified town. Today, it stands as a unique architectural museum, showcasing a fusion of traditional Chinese styles and Western influences brought back by merchants who traveled to Southeast Asia, creating a landscape that looks like a cluster of castles floating above the clouds.

The Legend of the Horse Gangs

2.The soul of Yisa lies in its Caravan: Culture. In the past, the harsh local environment forced the men of Yisa to travel abroad to make a living. They formed "Horse Gangs" that traversed the dangerous ancient trade routes, carrying tea, salt, and local goods into Laos, Vietnam, and beyond. These merchants, known as "Hua Qiao" (Overseas Chinese), brought back immense wealth and exotic cultural influences. This history has earned Yisa the title of the "Hometown of Overseas Chinese in Southern Yunnan." The town’s development is a testament to their adventurous spirit. Unlike the water towns of Jiangnan, Yisa is a "City of Horse Gangs," built with the blood and sweat of those who traveled the "Tea Horse Road" of the south. Visitors can feel this history in the stone-paved streets and the grand courtyards built by the wealthy returnees.

3.A Fusion of East and West: Fortress Architecture

4.The most striking feature of: Yisa is its unique architectural style, often described as "Chinese foundation with a Western hat." Wealthy caravan merchants built their homes as defensive fortresses to protect against bandits, blending traditional Han Chinese courtyard layouts with French and Roman architectural elements they saw in Southeast Asia. The buildings feature high walls, narrow windows like pillboxes, and imposing towers, giving the town a medieval castle-like appearance.

• 5.East Gate Tower (Dongmen Lou): The town's iconic landmark, standing at the entrance like a guardian. It looks like a Roman castle gate but is adorned with Chinese flying eaves and red lanterns, symbolizing the perfect blend of cultures.
• 6.Yisa Museum (Daifu Di): Once the mansion of a wealthy merchant, this massive courtyard house is now a museum. It displays relics of the caravan era, including horse gear, weapons, and historical photos, offering a deep dive into the lives of the "Horse Gangs".

A Labyrinth of History

7.Wandering through: Yisa is like stepping back in time. The West Gate Ancient Road connects the East Gate to the West Gate, paved with stone slabs that have been polished by centuries of footsteps and horse hooves. The streets are lined with "Diaolou" (watchtower buildings) and old residences featuring exquisite wood carvings and stone reliefs. The town retains a strong sense of daily life, where locals still inhabit these historic buildings. At the highest point stands the Wenxing Pavilion, a three-story tower dedicated to education and literature, offering a panoramic view of the entire county seat and the surrounding mountains, appearing like an island suspended in the sky when the clouds roll in.