![]() ![]() People can see a famous old photo on websites about World War II: convoys of US GMC military trucks snaking up a steep zigzag road in southwest China’s mountainous region.It illustrates the crucial lifeline that linked the Chinese battlefield with allied forces 57 years ago. The Burma Road was largely built by Chinese during World War II to bring supplies to beleagured China, to help Chinese resist the Japanese invasion. “The “24-zig” is in Guizhou Province, it has 24 sharp bends on a high mountain. Shooting holes are found at all sides of the buildings, and sentry towers are scattered in the villages. The houses are made of solid stones, with black tile roof s and white walls - the typical southern housing style. Tunpu people build their houses not only for living but also for defense. With high walls and narrow lanes, the village is a labyrinth for any first-time visitor, offering residents a distinct advantage in any in-village fighting. ![]() At the time, stone was the toughest material readily available. The military elements in the design of Tianlong are readily apparent. Being the descendents of the imperial Ming Dynsty garrison troops, Tunpu people have maintained their traditional customs and way of life from the Ming Dynasty, in a kind of "lost world" environment. So the first emperor of Ming dynasty stationed troops for both defense and land reclamation.Today, over 5000 people in 1,250 households, continue to live in Tianlong Tunpu. Since the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), Tianlong had been an important military fortress, guarding a major gateway to the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan. Tianlong Ancient Garrison village, 24-ZigĪmong such stone castles, Tianlong Tunpu, 72 kilometers west of Guiyang, is the best-preserved one. ![]()
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December 2022
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