Xiangyu Ancient Fortress

　　Xiangyu Ancient Fortress (Sixth Batch of National Cultural Heritage Protection Units)

　　Era: Ming to Qing Dynasty

　　Address: Xiangyu Village, Zhengcun Town, Qinshui County

　　Xiangyu Village, originally named Xianggu Village, was the hometown of the Sun brothers—Sun Ju-xiang, who served as Minister of Revenue during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, and Sun Ding-xiang, Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate. The village was named “Sān Dū Táng” (Third Ministry Hall), also known as “Sān Dū Gǔ Chéng” (Third Ministry Ancient City), after Sun Dingxiang, who was the third eldest among the brothers. Its construction date is unclear, but it was completed in the seventh year of the Chongzhen reign during the Ming Dynasty (1634).

　　The fortress is 280 meters long from east to west and 100–150 meters wide from north to south, covering an area of approximately 32,500 square meters. It is a complete castle-style structure. Built against a mountain, the ancient town is divided into an inner and outer city. The main buildings inside are organized by two east-west streets and nine north-south lanes. Existing key structures include Sān Dū Táng, the Marshal’s Mansion, Ten Large Residences, various male residences (both large and small), as well as public facilities such as temples, ancestral halls, and private schools. There is also the tomb of Sun Ju-xiang.