Tianlong Tunpu

What it is

Tianlong Tunpu is one of the best-preserved Tunpu settlements in Guizhou, founded in 1381 when Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang sent troops to pacify the southwest. These soldiers and their families built fortified villages, and their descendants have kept distinct Ming-era customs for over 600 years. The village's stone walls, watchtowers, and ancestral halls reflect a martial past, while its layout follows feng shui principles. Walking here feels like entering a time capsule, with locals still speaking an archaic dialect and wearing traditional embroidered clothing.

Today, Tianlong Tunpu is a 4A-rated attraction that offers a rare glimpse into Han Chinese subculture. The community is famous for Dixi (earth opera), a masked ritual performance once used to boost troop morale. Visitors can explore the ancient lanes, visit the local opera museum, and sample Tunpu cuisine like preserved vegetables and glutinous rice cakes. Our guides can arrange demonstrations and explain the symbolism behind the intricate carvings and costumes, ensuring you don't miss the hidden meanings.

Highlights

• Dixi Opera Performance — Watch masked villagers perform this ancient military ritual, a living fossil of Ming theater, with our guide explaining each gesture and mask.
• Ming Stone Architecture — Wander through narrow alleys lined with stone houses, watchtowers, and courtyards that have stood for centuries, showcasing unique defensive design.
• Traditional Tunpu Dress — See women in distinctive embroidered robes and elaborate hairstyles, a daily tradition passed down through generations since the Ming era.
• Ancestral Halls and Temples — Visit the Chen and Zheng ancestral halls, centers of community life, where our guide shares stories of lineage and loyalty.
• Local Culinary Tasting — Savor Tunpu specialties like smoked pork, blood tofu, and rice wine, with our guide helping you navigate the menu and customs.

How to get there

Tianlong Tunpu is about 30 km from Anshun city. From Anshun, take a taxi (¥60-80, 40 minutes) or a local bus from Anshun East Station (¥10, 1 hour). Many travellers combine it with a visit to Huangguoshu Waterfall, as both are in the same direction. Our private transfer can pick you up from your hotel and include both sites in a seamless day trip.

Tickets & practical info

Admission: ¥60 per person (includes entry to main sites and a Dixi performance). Opening hours: 8:00-18:00. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but we recommend booking through our guide to skip queues and ensure English interpretation.

Payment: Cash is accepted, but WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Foreign cards can be linked to these apps for easy payment. Some smaller vendors may only accept cash, so carry small bills.

Best time to visit

Visit in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) for mild weather and fewer crowds. Early morning is ideal to see the village come alive and catch a Dixi performance before tour groups arrive. Avoid Chinese public holidays when it gets busy.

Tips from our guides

• Arrive before 9 AM to explore the quiet lanes and interact with locals before tour buses arrive.
• Bring cash for small purchases, as some elderly vendors don't use digital payments.
• Ask before photographing locals, especially in traditional dress; a polite gesture goes a long way.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the stone paths are uneven and slippery when wet.
• Combine with nearby Yunfeng Tunpu or Benzhai Village for a deeper understanding of Tunpu culture.

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