Zhangbi Ancient Fortress, is located in Jiexiu City, Shanxi province, around 140 kilometers southwest of Taiyuan and 40 kilometers southwest of Pingyao Ancient Town. With1,600-year history, it is a rare old ancient multi-functional fortress that was used for military defense, housing, production, and worship. Covered an area of only 120,000 square meters, Zhangbi Ancient Fortress is also called a miniature castle.The entire fortress was constructed based on Chinese astrology.
The construction of Zhangbi Ancient Fortress follows the traditional Chinese astrology and geomancy theories. The layout of the constructionabove ground corresponds to the Kui Constellation in the sky from Chinese mythology. Therefore, Zhangbi Ancient Fortress is also known as “China’s No. 1 Astrology Village”.
The Military Fortress
Zhangbi Ancient Fortress, 1,020 meters above sea level, is surrounded by gullies on three sides, and a mountain on the fourth side. It has 10-meter (33 feet) tall walls on the outside, making it easy to defend but hard to attack. In addition, the ancient fortress is full of underground tunnels, like cobwebs, extending in all directions and cleverly connectedto the buildings above ground. The tunnels, about 2 meters high and 1.5 meters wide, have been explored for about 1,500 meters. There are still 8,500 meters to be explored, for a total length of about 10,000 meters. There are mangers, granaries andslaughterhouses as well as dozens of covert entrances hidden above ground or under the foundations of folk dwellings.Villagers could easily reach the tunnels quickly for protection when enemies invaded. The tunnels could accommodate 30,000 people and you can visit the tunnels and experience the wisdom of the ancients here.
The Religious Fortress
Many religious relics of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism have been found in this area. They are mainly distributed around the northern and southern gates of Zhangbi Ancient Fortress.
Kongwang Memorial Temple is a memorial temple used to worship Kong Wang, the first of the
Han people to achieve enlightenment through Buddhism. In Kong Wang Memorial Temple, there is a statue of Kong Wang Buddha and many murals which tell how Kong Wang became a Buddha. In addition, there are two rare colored glaze steles in front of the temple.
Zhenwu Temple is a Taoist temple mainly used to worship Zhen Wu, a deity of the north who watches over water and soldiers.
Songzi Avalokitesvara Palace is a temple where people pray for the good fortune of their children, the Kuixing Building where people offer prayers for good grades in school, the Guanyu Temple where people pray for security and the Caishen Temple where people pray for wealth.
Travel Tips
Add: Zhangbi Village, Longfeng Township, Jiexiu City,
Jinzhong City
Phone: 400-116-1600
Official website: http://www.zgzbgb.com/
Opening hours: Low season (November 1-March 31) 8: 00-17: 00; high season (April 1-October 31) 8: 00-18: 00.
Entrance Fees: CNY 55
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