72 Strange Buildings

Historical Overview

Tang Dynasty Origins (7th–10th centuries): Built as a frontier defense outpost during the Tang-Tubo Wars.

Ming-Qing Military & Trade Hub (14th–19th centuries): Fortified with watchtowers and used for border trade with western Hunan tribes.

Modern Reconstruction (2016–2019): Rebuilt using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery, incorporating 18 original Xiangxi hanging towers.

Cultural Status: Designated a national AAAA-level scenic area in 2020, it symbolizes Tujia cultural revival.

Structural Layout

The complex spans 110,000 sq meters across three zones:

• Tian Gong Qiulou (Heavenly Palace Tower): The 109.9-meter main tower with a 38-meter-high central archway, aligned with Tianmen Mountain’s "Heavenly Gate" cave.
• Smoke & Fire Old Street: A reconstructed Qing Dynasty commercial street with 120 traditional shops and food stalls.
• 72 Wonder Villages: 72 symbolic mini-towers representing Tujia clans, each featuring unique carvings and ethnic artifacts.

Key structures:

Hanging Tower Cluster: 18 original Xiangxi hanging towers suspended 15 meters above ground.

Light Art System: 5,000+ LED nodes creating dynamic nightly light shows.

Major Attractions

Tian Gong Qiulou: Climb the 9-story tower for mountain views and to see the "Double Gate Vision" alignment with Tianmen Cave.

Zhuangyuan Pavilion: A Qing Dynasty-style study hall showcasing intricate woodcarvings and Tujia scholar artifacts.

Ethnic Costume Experience: Rent Tujia silver jewelry and embroidered clothing for photoshoots.

Nightly Light Spectacle: 72 towers illuminated in shifting colors (19:30–22:30 daily).

Tujia Bonfire Square: Daily dance performances and rice wine tastings.

Ancient Military Exhibition: Replicas of Ming Dynasty cannons and border pass documents.

Suggested Itineraries

• Classic Route (2–3 hours):

Main Entrance → Tian Gong Qiulou Observation Deck → Smoke & Fire Old Street → Tujia Bonfire Square → Exit
Highlights: Tower views, street food, and cultural performances.

• Extended Route (4–5 hours):

Main Entrance → Tian Gong Qiulou → Zhuangyuan Pavilion → 72 Wonder Villages → Ethnic Costume Experience → Nightly Light Show → Exit
Highlights: Architectural history and immersive cultural activities.

• Comprehensive Route (Full Day)

Main Entrance → Guided Tour of Hanging Tower Construction → Tian Gong Qiulou → Ancient Military Exhibition → Tujia Bonfire Square → Nightly Light Show → Exit
Highlights: In-depth exploration of engineering and ethnic traditions.

Ticket Purchase

Entrance Fee: ¥120 (peak season: Apr–Oct), ¥80 (off-season: Nov–Mar). Includes tower access and light show.

Concessions: 50% off for students/seniors; free for children under 1.2m.

Online: Book via Ctrip or WeChat platform "72 Wonder Towers" (up to 7 days in advance).

On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance; queues average 20 minutes during peak times.

Transportation

From Zhangjiajie City Center: 20-minute drive via Wulingshan Avenue (¥30 taxi fare).

By Bus: Take bus 7, 16, or 17 to "Zhangjiajie Aviation Academy/Huangjiage Station" (10-minute walk to entrance).

Parking: Paid lots at the main entrance (¥10/hour).

Best Time & Tips

Optimal Seasons: April–June (mild weather), September–October (clear mountain views).

Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends host large domestic tour groups.

Essentials:

Wear sturdy shoes for uneven stone paths.

Bring a light jacket for evening breezes.

Photography: Tripods allowed; no flash in exhibition halls.

Prohibited Items: Drones, outside food, and loudspeakers.

Cultural Tip: Attend the "Tujia Moonlight Wedding" reenactment (Fridays/Saturdays at 20:00).