Discover China’s ancient fortresses and fortifications(2)

Villagers in Yuxian. Photo: Li Hao/GT

According to legend, Zhangbi's fortress was built by armed rebel forces who wished to overthrow the Emperor Taizong of Tang (626-649). The tunnels were dug for soldiers to hide in.

Touring the tunnel, Zhao said he was fascinated by the underground world. "We saw embrasures through which people could shoot their guns while remaining concealed," said Zhao. "[The tour guide told us] that the Chinese army strategically use the tunnels as shelters and for fighting during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45)."

Compared to the decadent courtyards built by affluent Jin merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties in Shanxi which have been restored, Zhangbi still bears the marks of the erosion of time.

"Strolling around the ancient village, it was also intriguing to have a closer look at the life of local people who still live in the old, sometimes pretty humble houses. You can feel other Shanxi folk customs," said Zhao.

The small village was also featured in popular director Feng Xiaogang's Back to 1942 (2012), about a famine that swept the area during the Sino-Japanese conflict.

Yuxian Castle

For those planning to spend Spring Festival in Beijing, the ancient township of Yuxian in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, is a short three to four hours drive away.

Yuxian, built between the Liao and Qing dynasties (916-1911), boasts plenty of ancient architecture, from palaces to temples to theatres to courtyards. Located 280 kilometers north of Beijing, the town was a place of geographical and strategic significance during the Ming Dynasty as it lay on the border between Huabei and Zhangbei, separating the Zhongyuan people from the nomadic people. Zhongyuan people mainly refer to people who live in the middle and lower basin of Yellow River and upper basin of Huaihe River. Nomadic people refer to Mongolian and Manchu people.

From the Ming Dynasty onwards, fortresses and other military fortifications were built to bolster the town's defenses.

During the day, the town's inhabitants would work on farms outside the gates, and return before the gates were shut at night.

"Yuxian provides a fascinating subject for photography enthusiasts who are interested in architecture and ancient villages," said Hou Jiajing, a Beijing local who visited the ancient town during 2013 Spring Festival holidays.

"Compared with the well-preserved and restored cultural relics in Beijing, Yuxian's buildings are rough and kind of damaged, a testament to history," said Hou.

Apart from ancient architecture, visitors can also observe the traditional custom of Da Shuhua in the nearby town of Nuanquan over the Spring Festival period. The 300-year-old tradition involves throwing hot molten iron against a cold stone wall to create sparks resembling fireworks. The practice has been designated as an "intangible cultural heritage" by the local government, in acknowledgement of its distinctiveness.

Not too far away is the Jimingyi Ancient Post Station, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368) and the only extant post station office of its kind. Zhangjiakou is also the site of a joint bid with Beijing to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

Six Chinese castles

1 Kaiping Diaolou in Jiangmen, Guangdong Province

2 Zhangbi ancient village in Jiexiu, Shanxi Province

3 Yuxian Ancient Castle in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province

4 Fujian Tulou in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province

Ancient rural farmhouses built by the Hakka people between the 12th and 20th centuries as strongholds against attack.

5 Daqi Ancient Castle and Rosary Church in Zezhou, Shanxi Province

Built in 1914, the castle features Chinese style of fortress, and the church features Gothic architecture style.

6 Xiangyu Ancient Castle in Jingcheng, Shanxi Province

Built in 1634 during the Ming Dynasty, this castle is perhaps the most famous among all the fortresses in the north of China.