Hailongtun, a rare example of a true castle 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 As feudalism in China had been largely superseded by centralised nation states since the Qin Dynasty from 221 BC, most Chinese castles were not intended as residences of the nobility, but are more properly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 (Dzongs). 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.[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).
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.
The Tower of Rivers and Mountains (河山楼) in the House of the Huangcheng Chancellor
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.
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.
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