Taoping Qiang Village is the world's best-preserved inhabited watchtowers and dwellings integrated into a building complex, having the reputation of "natural air-conditioning". Its perfect underground water network, extending passages, and the labyrinth-like architectural art of the unity of towers have been praised by Chinese and foreign scholars as "living fossils of Qiang architectural art" and "mysterious eastern castles". Taoping has a long history. According to historical records, the stockade was built in 111 BC. Taoping has existed with a history of more than 2,000 years.
Taoping Qiang Village is built with 8 radial exits centered on the ancient castle. The exits are connected with corridors to form a road network. People in this village can move in and out freely, but outsiders are like entering a maze. The village houses are interconnected, and the exterior walls are constructed with pebbles and schist in a mixed pattern. The laneways in the village are vertical and horizontal, and some village houses have low walls. The rooms in the houses are wide, with vertical and horizontal beams and columns, and generally have two to three floors. The upper part is used as housing, and the lower part is equipped with cattle and sheeps or stacked farm tools.. The underground water supply system in the fort is also unique. The spring water drawn from the high mountains flows to every household through a hidden ditch. It can not only adjust the indoor temperature and be used as a fire-fighting facility, but also can prevent the enemy from cutting off water and also can be used as a channel to escape in the event of a war.
Taoping Qiang Village is located in Taoping Township, Zagunao Riverside, Li County. Qiang Village is 40 kilometers away from Lixian City, 16 kilometers from Wenchuan City, and 139 kilometers from Chengdu. By driving it takes around 3 hours to get to Chengdu and from Bipenggou it is around only 30 minutes drive to get to.
Ticket Information: 60 yuan PP
Business Hour: 08:00-18:00
Recommended time of visit: 1-2h
There are restaurants and some small hotels available in Taoping.
Route: Chengdu - Bipenggou - Chengdu
Route: Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou - Zoige - Langmusi - Nyenpo Yurtse - Bipenggou - Chengdu
