Zhangbi Ancient Castle
Shanxi · China
After the tour, you will be transfer back to Pingyao Old Town at around 17:00.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Zhangbi Ancient Castle
Welcome to Zhangbi Ancient Castle, or Zhangbi Gubo, a site that scholars describe as a 'miniature but complete city' and a masterpiece of military engineering. Located near Jiexiu City in Shanxi Province, this 1,400-year-old…
Listen in the app2The South Gate and the Dragon Street
Your tour begins at the South Gate, a robust brick structure that serves as the main threshold into Zhangbi. As you pass through, you step onto the 'Dragon Street' (Long Jie), a 300-meter-long thoroughfare paved with red…
Listen in the app3The Kongmiao Temple and Religious Synthesis
Continuing along the main axis, we encounter the Kongmiao Temple complex. Zhangbi is remarkable for its dense concentration of religious sites. …
Listen in the app4The Underground Tunnel Entrance — The Descent
We now transition from the world of light into the 'Hidden Castle.' The entrance to the underground tunnel system is unassuming, often located within a traditional residence. As you descend the first set of stairs, you will feel…
Listen in the app5The Triple-Layered Defense System
As we explore the tunnels further, you will notice that they are divided into three distinct vertical layers. The first layer is just one meter below the surface, primarily used for quick movement and communication between…
Listen in the app6The Strategic Well and Life Support
One of the most critical features of the Zhangbi tunnel system is its water supply. Within the tunnels, you will encounter the 'Underground Well.' This was not just a source of drinking water; it was a lifeline that allowed the…
Listen in the app7The Northern Gate and the Astrological Layout
Emerging from the tunnels near the North Gate, we return to the surface to appreciate the broader town plan. Zhangbi is famously designed according to 'Tianlie' or astrological principles. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As you leave Zhangbi Ancient Castle and pass back through the South Gate, I hope you reflect on the remarkable 'double life' this site has led for over a millennium. We have seen a vibrant town of temples and theaters above…
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What is Zhangbi Ancient Castle?
Zhangbi Ancient Castle is a place in Shanxi · China with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Shanxi · China |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 36.9617, 111.9729 |
| Last updated |