List of castles in China


This is a list of castles in China. As feudalism in China had been largely superseded by centralised nation states since the Qin dynasty from 221 BC, most Chinese castles were not intended as residences of the nobility, but are more properly described as either fortresses or fortified vernacular and religious structures. These can include fortified communal residences, private fortified residences of large landowning families, military purposed fortresses, and fortified religious architecture, especially in Tibetan regions. As such, the list can be broadly classified into these few categories.

True feudal castle

Surviving true feudal castles are built by Tusi, the hereditary leaders of self-governing ethnic minorities groups in Southwestern China during the Ming dynasty. Most Tusi rules are abolished by mid Qing dynasty. Three Tusi Sites were recognized by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites in 2015.

Fortified communal residences or villages

In southern China, especially Fujian and Guangdong province, a type of fortified communal residence built by the Hakka people known as Hakka walled village can be found. These are large multi-family communal living structure that were built by the immigrant Hakkas for protection in the event of clan wars with other Chinese clan groups.
Some examples of Hakka walled villages are:
  • Shuangfengzhai
  • Mantangwei
  • Linzhai Sijiaolou
  • Huilonglou
  • Bajiaowei
In northern China, especially Shanxi province, fortified villages also exist.
  • Xiangyu village

Fortified private residences

Fortified private residences built by wealthy landowning families can be found throughout China. Generally built to protect from threats of bandits or periods of civil unrests.
Some examples in northern China are:
In Fujian province, a unique type of fortified dwelling called Tu Bao can be found, and are built with a similar technique as Japanese castles with dry stone base supporting rammed earth and wooden structure above.
In Kaiping, Guandong province, multi-story fortified watchtower homes were built from the time of the Ming dynasty to the early 20th century.

Military fortress

Fortified military fortresses are found at strategic locations such as mountain passes, along the great wall or part of the city walls of large towns and cities.

Tibetan Dzongs

Dzongs are a distinctive type of fortified monastery found in Tibetan areas such as Tibet Autonomous Region itself as well as parts of neighboring Qinghai and Sichuan provinces.

Western-styled fortified architecture

As a result of contacts with the West and Christian missionaries from the 17th century onwards, western-styled fortified architecture, mainly Christian religious structures were also built.