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 As feudalism in China had been largely superseded by centralised nation states since the Qin Dynasty from 221 BC, most Chinese castles were not intended as residences of the nobility, but are more properly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 (Dzongs). As such, the list can be broadly classified into these few categories.
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. [1]
In southern China, especially Fujian and Guangdong province, a type of fortified communal residence built by the Hakka people known as Hakka walled village (围龙屋/围楼) 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 (for example, see Punti–Hakka Clan Wars).
Some examples of Hakka walled villages are:
In northern China, especially Shanxi province, fortified villages also exist.
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 (土堡) [4] 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.
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.
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.
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.
A Hakka walled village is a large multi-family communal living structure that is designed to be easily defensible. This building style is unique to the Hakka people found in southern China. Walled villages are typically designed for defensive purposes and consist of one entrance and no windows at the ground level.
Zhangpu County is a county of Zhangzhou prefecture-level city in far southern Fujian province, People's Republic of China. The county seat is located in the town of Sui'an (绥安镇).
Wuxi County is a county of Chongqing Municipality, People's Republic of China, bordering Shaanxi to the north and Hubei to the northeast and east. Sitting at the upper reaches of Daning River and the southern slopes of the central Daba Mountains. It is best known for its scenic views and its preserved witchcraft culture.
Longnan is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Ganzhou Municipality, in the far southwest of Jiangxi province, China, bordering Guangdong province to the south.
Tuojiang Town is an ancient town and the seat of Fenghuang County in Hunan, China. It has an area of 191.7 km2 (74.0 sq mi) with a population of 112,200. The town has 29 villages and 7 communities under its jurisdiction, its seat is at Fenghuang South Road. The town is famous for Ancient City of Fenghuang, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in Hunan and one of AAAA-rated tourist attractions.
Miaoshan is a town in Laiwu District, Jinan, Shandong province, China. As of 2020, it has 85 villages under its administration: