Blending ancient Tujia culture with cutting-edge design, Zhangjiajie’s Seventy-two Wonders Tower offers visitors a captivating experience by day and a dazzling light spectacle by night. Discover traditional architecture, vibrant markets, cultural performances, and local culinary delights at this iconic new landmark.
Ancient culture meets dazzling design
THE latest highlight in Zhangjiajie’s array of tourist attractions is the Seventy-two Wonders Tower, also known as the ’72 Qilou’ or ’72 Strange Buildings’.
This architectural marvel, which merges modern engineering with tribal heritage, opened to the public in September 2022, following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inspired by the traditional stilt houses of the Tujia ethnic group, known as diaojiaolou, this contemporary complex preserves cultural heritage by blending classic designs with modern building materials and innovative lighting.
Covering a construction area of 160,000 square metres, the 72 Tujia Stilted Buildings Scenic Area is located at No. 1, Wuling Mountain Avenue in Yongding District.
The tower has swiftly become an iconic landmark of Zhangjiajie City.
Rising to 109.9 metres, the main building was awarded the Guinness World Record in 2019 as the world’s tallest stilt house-shaped building.



Its hollow centre, resembling a grand rectangular “doorway” measuring 38 metres high, 28 metres wide, and 21 metres deep, pays homage to the famous Sky Door of Tianmen Mountain – another celebrated attraction of Zhangjiajie situated several kilometres away.
Contrary to what the name might suggest, the number ’72’ does not represent the number of floors or housing units in the tower.
According to my tour guide, Siaw Ling, the number holds symbolic importance in Chinese culture, representing abundance rather than a literal figure.
I visited the 72 Wonders Tower Town and its night market in the late afternoon, arriving before sunset to experience the site both in daylight and illuminated after dark.
The streets in front of the tower are lined with concrete shophouses designed in the traditional Chinese architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Adorned with colourful lanterns, the area evokes the charm of stepping back into an ancient town.
Other attractions within the scenic area – which has become a popular cultural and tourism hub by night – include Xiangxi Market Street, tea houses, Bonfire Square, Hui Muslim Snack Street, and the Welcoming Square, among others.
As night falls, the Seventy-two Wonders Tower transforms into a spectacular display of vibrant yellow, orange and red lights.
The dazzling illumination highlights the unique stilted structures, casting a radiant glow that mesmerises visitors.


Cultural Immersion
Beyond its striking architecture, the Seventy-two Wonders Tower complex offers an immersive experience into Tujia culture.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of performances such as traditional Tujia dances, drum shows, folk songs, reenactments of ancient wedding ceremonies, traditional costume parades, street martial arts demonstrations, and Chinese opera.
Culinary Delights
The tantalising aroma of local delicacies from the surrounding stalls and eateries along the ancient Chinese-style streets is irresistible.
Visitors can embark on a culinary journey sampling a wide range of Zhangjiajie and Hunan specialties – from savoury snacks to hearty dishes.
This vibrant food scene offers a true taste of the region’s gastronomic heritage and should not be missed.



