Yunshan Tun Ancient Architectural Complex

　　The Yunshan Tun Ancient Architectural Complex comprises Yunshan Tun and Bent Zhai, situated eight kilometers southeast of Qiyanjiao Town in Xixiu District, Anshun City. It is a relatively intact ancient military garrison settlement, initially built in the early Ming Dynasty. Since its establishment, the settlement has undergone several rounds of repairs and expansions amid warfare, fires, and natural erosion. The surrounding walls, streets, residences, and natural ecological environment within the complex remain well preserved, resembling an encyclopedia of ancient military farming culture.

　　From the fortress walls and street layouts to watchtowers and gateways, every aspect of the Yunshan Tun Ancient Architectural Complex showcases features of wartime defense, forming a vivid, three-dimensional depiction of the customs recorded in the Ming Veritable Records: “troops gather, farm in spring and train in autumn, each family operates its own school, every household serves as its own fort; should bandits suddenly attack, each stands ready with strong defenses to resist.”

　　Nestled in a valley, Yunshan Tun is flanked by east and south gates serving as front and rear checkpoints. Traditional houses are built along both sides of the valley, arranged in single-unit, courtyard (sanheyuan), or quadrangle (siheyuan) styles, following the contours of the mountain. The dwellings in Bent Zhai are constructed against the slopes of the green hills, with the branching SanCha River serving as a natural barrier in front and the mountains as protection behind. The enclosed complex consists of self-contained sanheyuan and siheyuan units nested within one another. The entire architectural group features seven tall watchtowers built from thick stone blocks, as well as stone rooftops, stone gables, and stone-paved streets. Each residence is adorned with exquisitely carved hanging flower door covers and latticed windows and doors. The layout is rigorous, with clear primary and secondary structures, solid construction, and a compact yet comfortable arrangement. Blending defense with daily living, Yunshan Tun stands as a typical representation of Ming Dynasty military fortress architecture. It is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.