Zhangjiajie 72 Strange Buildings: Ultimate Guide to the 72 Qilou

Written by Veronica | Updated January 19,2026

Rising dramatically from the mountains of western Hunan Province, the 72 Strange Buildings in Zhangjiajie (also known as the 72 Qilou or 72 Wonder Tower) is an architectural masterpiece which blends ethnic culture and immersive performance art into one eye-popping scenic area. This massive stilted village complex shows the vibrant traditions of the Tujia people, while also setting a world record for the tallest wooden stilt building at a height of 109.9m. If you’re planning a China tour to Zhangjiajie, this newly developed attraction definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary.

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• Quick Facts about 72 Strange Buildings in Zhangjiajie
• What Are the 72 Strange Buildings (72 Qilou)?
• History & Tujia Ethnic Origins
• Why the 72 Strange Buildings Are a Must-See in Zhangjiajie
• Top Things to Do at the 72 Strange Buildings Scenic Area
• Top Attractions and Sites at the 72 Strange Buildings Scenic Area
• Opening Hours & Tickets of 72 Strange Buildings
• Best Time to Visit
• Location and How to Get to
• How to Visit – Recommended Tour Itinerary
• Nearby Dining & Accommodation
• Travel Tips for Visiting the 72 Strange Buildings
• Nearby Attractions
• FAQs about the 72 Strange Buildings in Zhangjiajie
• Travel Zhangjiajie with Us

Quick Facts about 72 Strange Buildings in Zhangjiajie

• Chinese Name: 张家界72奇楼
• Location:1 Wulingshan Avenue, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province (湖南省张家界市永定区武陵山大道1号)
• Ticket Price: CNY 20 / Person for entrance before 16:30; CNY 88 /Person for entrance after 16:30
• Opening Hours:

1. Winter: Monday to Thursday, 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
2. Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
3. Summer: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
4. Public Holidays: 9:00 AM – 12:30 AM

• Best Time to Visit: All year round
• Recommended Visit Time: 3-5 hours
• Total Floor Area: 116,035.2 square meters
• Building Height:9 meters (World’s tallest stilted building)
• Highlights: Tian Gong Qilou, Light Show, Tujia Folk Village, Cultural Performances

What Are the 72 Strange Buildings (72 Qilou)?

The “72 Strange Buildings” (七十二奇楼) is a cultural complex in Zhangjiajie. It’s construct is largely inspired by Tujia stilted architecture and local legends. Located in the heart of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, the buildings combines and offers multiple experiences like sightseeing, entertainment, food, and folklore in just one unique destination.

Its official name is exactly Zhangjiajie 72 Strange Buildings. In Chinese, it is 张家界72奇楼. In fact, it is a cultural complex in Zhangjiajie. It’s construct is largely inspired by Tujia stilted architecture and local legends. Located in the heart of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, the buildings combines and offers multiple experiences like sightseeing, entertainment, food, and folklore in just one unique destination.

Does It Really Have 72 Buildings?

Despite the name, Zhangjiajie’s “72 Strange Buildings” doesn’t literally mean that there’s 72 separate structures. In Tujia culture, the number 72 is more symbolic, often used in legends to represent abundance and mystery.

In truth, the 72 Strange Buildings is a modern cultural tourism complex that brings those stories to life. It includes:

• Tian Gong Qilou – the world’s tallest stilted building.
• Yanhuo Old Street – a lively food and shopping street styled after Tujia towns.
• 72 Qizhai Folk Village – traditional homes with folk activities and performances..

The Meaning Behind “72 Strange Buildings”

The number 72 here is symbolic, it carries the meanings of signifying multiplicity, completeness, and a cultural legacy rather than a fixed count.

The term “strange building” does not suggest oddity—it celebrates the bold creativity of Tujia stilted architecture (stilted buildings) and its elevation-driven design. The entire complex is a curated collection of elevated structures which is built to inspire awe and represent the diverse tribal heritage.

Architectural Uniqueness: Why Are They “Strange”?

These 72 strange buildings reinterpret the traditional diaojiaolou, or stilted buildings, historically built by Tujia and other southern Chinese minority groups, designed on wooden stilts above ground for gathering, defense and flood resistance.

The centerpiece, Tian Gong Qilou, soars to a record-breaking 109.9 meters, earning the Guinness World Record as the world’s tallest stilted building. Its hollow central “dragon-eye gate” measures 38 m tall, 28 m wide, and 21 m deep, aligning visually with the distant Tianmen Cave across the valley—a concept known as “dual-eye” vistas.

Around the main tower, there are 18 suspended stilted houses artfully clustered, recreating the “nine bows and eighteen villages” layout of traditional Tujia settlements. Nightly, the complex transforms into backdrop of a 7D holographic light show with over 72 distinct lighting themes—an audiovisual projection spectacle that blends modern tech with Tujia motifs.

History & Tujia Ethnic Origins

The concept of 72 Qilou is born from the cultural memory of the Tujia ethnic minority, which has been long-established in the Zhangjiajie and Wuling Mountains region. There’s a well-known local saying goes: “Nine bows, eighteen stockades, seventy-two strange towers” (九弓十八寨七十二奇楼). And the “seventy-two strange towers” mentioned in legend is actually referring to the stilted houses once used for group gatherings and defense outside attack in the Wuling Mountains. So their stilted architecture served as functional defense and communal spaces for centuries.

One legend even claims that starting from 67 AD, each dynasty added a floor to a sky-high tower—until 72 layers were buried underground, lost to time. This myth later inspired the Chinese drama The 72 Layers of Mystery.

The modern complex we see today, initiated around 2017–2019, was carefully designed to resurrect that legacy while becoming a modern lifestyle and cultural hub—inspired by centuries-old craft and folklore but anchored in immersive art and tourism culture.

Walking through it, visitors encounter myth-infused architecture—from suspended homes to ceremonial towers—paying tribute to tribal legends yet enriched by modern interpretation.

Why the 72 Strange Buildings Are a Must-See in Zhangjiajie

• A Cultural Window into Tujia Life: This complex vividly brings the local customs, architecture style, and legends of the Tujia ethnic group to life.
• Guinness World Record Holder: It features the world’s tallest stilted building, officially recognized by Guinness.
• A Rare Sight Globally: Few places on earth can see towering wooden architecture, ethnic folklore, and immersive performances quite being combined together like this.

Top Things to Do at the 72 Strange Buildings Scenic Area

Explore the Traditional Tujia Residences

One of the best experience you can have in this attraction would be wandering through a lifelike recreation of a traditional Tujia mountain village, where iconic stilted wooden houses (Diaojiaolou) perch along stone-paved lanes. These elevated dwellings, which are designed to adapt to hilly terrain and humid climate, reflect the ingenuity of the buildings’ design. Inside, ancestral halls, loom rooms, grain storage, and firewood kitchens vividly portray the rhythms of Tuijia people’s daily life. Every beam and carving tells a story of craftsmanship, family, and rich cultural heritage which has lasted for centuries.

Enjoy Cultural Performances & Folk Activities

The 72 Strange Buildings Scenic Area allows everyone to have a packed evening filled with live shows, folk parades, interactive performances, and immersive storytelling, and these are perfect for families and culture lovers alike. From 15:30 – 22:20, there are several performances in each hour. And some performances will be repeatedly held till the closing hour in different venues, so you can plan your visit flexibly.

Watch Light Show at Night

When night falls, the 72 Strange Buildings will come alive under a breathtaking fusion of colorful light. With the effect made by the cutting-edge 7D holographic imaging and over 36,000 RGBW lights, the stilted wooden houses is transformed into a luminous canvas of Tujia myths and cultural legend

Best Photography Spots

Whether you’re a casual snapper or a photography enthusiast, the 72 Strange Buildings Scenic Area offers stunning angles for pictures at every turn. To get a quieter and more atmospheric shot, a spot you must visit would be the side bridge near the Intangible Cultural Heritage Teahouse. Here, the aged wood and calm water will help you capture the vintage soul of the village.

If you’re aiming for a sweeping panorama, the second floor to the left of Dream Plaza gives you an elevated view that frames the stilted buildings in full glory, especially during golden hour or when the lights come on at night. Want something more polished? Inside the scenic area, you’ll find different professional photo studios that offer travel-themed shoots with local costumes and dramatic backdrops.

Related reading: How to Take Great Street Photography in China?

Taste Local Food

Exploring the 72 Strange Towers isn’t just about enjoy the beauty of architecture, tasting the local flavor is also important. The winding Snake Streets inside the cultural complex are lined with food stalls and small eateries, serving up authentic cuisines from Hunan, Xi’an, Xinjiang, and beyond. You’ll find three main themed streets in the site: the Muslim Quarter, the Chinese-style Bar Street, and the Xiangxi Market Street. Each has its own vibe, serving various local snacks, traditional crafts, and regional specialties.

Local food is always a highlight of any visit. Don’t miss:

• Sour Fish Soup: A signature dish in the region.The fresh fish will be simmered in a spicy and tangy broth until it gets a rich and bold flavor.
• Miao-style Pickled Fish: This dish combines tender-cooked fish and homemade pickled vegetables in a unique cooking method, and it delivers a punchy, savory taste.
• Fried Rice with Cured Pork: To make this dish, the smoky slices of preserved meat will be stir-fried with vegetables and rice. This is a comforting and satisfying option to pair with other dishes.
• Sticky Rice Cakes (Ciba): These soft, glutinous rice cakes are sweetened with sugar and coated in sesame, a perfect local dessert.
• Blood Rice Duck: A local favorite. Making it needs to first mix the glutinous rice with duck blood and stew them with tender duck meat. It’s soft, flavorful, and it is deeply rooted in the region’s food traditions.

Top Attractions and Sites at the 72 Strange Buildings Scenic Area

Tiangong Qilou (Main Building)

Tiangong Qilou main building of 72 strange towers and it is the crown jewel of the scenic are as it holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest stilted building in the world, rising to an impressive height of 109.9 meters. Modeled after the traditional Tujia-style diaojiaolou (stilted houses), it blends ancient ethnic design with modern engineering. The central feature is a massive open archway—38 meters high and 28 meters wide—that visually aligns with the distant Tianmen Cave, forming a symbolic “twin gate” spectacle often referred to as the “Dragon’s Eyes.”

Yanhuo Old Street

This lively old street immerses visitors in the sights, sounds, and flavors of traditional Tujia life. Along the cobblestone path, you’ll find dozens of street food stalls offering local specialties, and also workshops featuring intangible cultural heritage crafts like handwoven brocade and traditional wood carving.

Yingbin Square

As the main entry point to the scenic area, Welcome Square sets the stage for what’s to come. Every evening at 7:00 PM, the square hosts a grand opening ceremony that includes ethnic music and dance, flaming torch performances, and a traditional wine greeting ritual. It celebrates the Tujia people’s warm hospitality and vibrant culture, which is a festive and energetic start to your visit.

Zouma Corner Tower

Zouma Corner Tower is a multi-level stilted structure perched on a cliff edge, built in the traditional Tujia architectural style. Designed to resemble ancient watchtowers, which once had a function of protection and vigilance in village life. Now, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for photos and short walks.

Traditional Teahouse of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Step into the Intangible Heritage Tea House to experience the Tujia people’s centuries-old tea culture. The interior preserves the layout of a traditional wooden tea house, where you can watch live demonstrations of tea-making techniques passed down through generations. Enjoy a slow sip of locally grown teas as performers showcase Tujia storytelling, music, and even shadow puppetry in this cozy cultural space.

Strange Rock Museum

The Strange Rock Museum is a unique exhibition space that showcases bizarre and beautiful rock formations collected from areas across China. Each stone on display is fully shaped by nature over millennia and it’s selected for the artistic or symbolic value. These rocks offer a glimpse into the region’s geological wonders and the local belief in the spiritual meaning of natural forms.

Opening Hours & Tickets of 72 Strange Buildings

• Opening Hours: 07:30 – 24:00
• Daytime Ticket: CNY 48, valid from 07:00 – 16:30 on the tour date
• Night Ticket: CNY 88, valid from 16:30 to the closing time on the tour date
• Insurance: CNY 2

Best Time to Visit

The 72 Strange Buildings are open year-round, but the most magical time to visit on a daily basis is in the evening, especially around 7:00 PM, when the area truly comes alive with dazzling light shows and immersive night performances. If you’re looking to experience the charm of tujia architecture under vibrant visuals, this is the golden hour.

For the best weather, plan your trip during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild temperatures between 10°C and 28°C, low humidity, and clearer skies—ideal for both daytime exploration and nighttime entertainment.

Location and How to Get to

The accurate address of 72 Strange Buildings is No. 1 Wulingshan Avenue, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City, and it’s about 5 km (3 miles) away from downtown. So to reach the site, you need to first arrive in Zhangjiajie and then go to the site by car or other public transport.

From Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, it takes approximately 15 minutes to go to the towers by taxi. And Zhangjiajie West Railway Station is around 3.5 km away and can be reached in about 10 minutes by car or by taking city buses No. 7, 16, or 17. If you’re coming from Zhangjiajie Railway Station in the city center, the drive takes around 20 minutes.

This site can also be easily connected from other tourist attractions in Zhangjiajie:

For more information about how to travel to and around Zhangjiajie, please see: Top Zhangjiajie Travel Tips

How to Visit – Recommended Tour Itinerary

Half-Day Visit (Evening Focus):

Arrive by 4:30 PM, explore the stilt architecture and grab early snacks, catch the 7 PM Opening Ceremony,which is followed by the light show and folk performances between 7:30–8:40 PM. And end your trip with an exploration of cultural food stalls before departure.

Full-Day Visit (Scenic + Culture):

Start at 10 AM with a cultural village walk, attend daytime craft demos, enjoy lunch, explore Yanhuo Old Street, return late afternoon for performances and light shows, and capture the illuminated complex at night. Many guided Zhangjiajie tours include this schedule.

If you want to know more about how to arrange a satisfying Zhangjiajie tour, please check: How to Plan a Zhangjiajie Tour

Nearby Dining & Accommodation

The scenic area features three vibrant “Snacke Streets”: the Muslim Quarter, Chinese-style Bar Street, and Xiangxi Market Street. These bustling pedestrian alleys are filled with snack stalls and small restaurants serving a diverse mix of regional street food.

You’ll find everything here from flame-grilled lamb skewers to sticky rice cakes and smoky Xiangxi-style sausages. Dishes are generally affordable, with most items priced only between CNY 10 and 25, making it a fun and budget-friendly spot to sample multiple local flavors.

For accommodation, most visitors choose to stay in downtown Zhangjiajie, which offers a greater selection of hotels and better access to transport and other Zhangjiajie attractions. From budget hostels to mid-range local inns and international chains like the Vienna or Sunshine Hotel, you can surely find what suits you the best.

Travel Tips for Visiting the 72 Strange Buildings

• Visit after 7 PM to see performances and light displays
• Buy evening tickets (CNY 88 after 4:30 PM) if you’re time-limited; otherwise, opt for a combined day–night ticket (CNY 20 + CNY 88)
• Wear comfortable shoes—it’s a large site with hilly terrain and cobblestone paths
• Plan transport ahead during peak periods; consider taking city buses 7/16/17 to Qilou Plaza

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with Zhangjiajie’s iconic natural landscapes:

• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is renowned for the towering sandstone pillars that have once inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. It is recommended to hike along scenic trails, ride the Bailong Elevator (the world’s tallest outdoor lift), or explore hidden ravines and dense forests.
• Tianmen Mountain – Famous for its dramatic cable car ride—the longest in the world—as well as a cliff-hanging glass skywalk, and the legendary “99‑bend road” that zigzags up to the natural rock arch known as Heaven’s Gate.
• Other nearby gems include Baofeng Lake, where you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride through misty canyons; Yellow Dragon Cave, one of China’s most impressive karst caverns filled with colorful lighting and underground rivers; and the thrilling Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest glass-bottom bridge spanning a steep gorge.

FAQs about the 72 Strange Buildings in Zhangjiajie

Which part of the complex holds a Guinness World Record, and for what achievement?

The Tian Gong Qilou, the iconic main building, holds a Guinness World Record as the world’s tallest stilted building.

Are there any hotels or restaurants inside or near the 72 Strange Buildings?

Of course. The Qilou Hotel is even a part of the 72 Strange Buildings and located inside the scenic area. Some rooms also offer a view of the buildings. Besides, it is also convenient to live in the downtown area, since the distance between them is only about 5km and there are more choices of hotels. As for restaurants, numerous stalls and small restaurants can be found in the three pedestrian alleys in the scenic area.

What photography tips are recommended when visiting the 72 Strange Buildings?

The first step for a successful picture is to choose an ideal time according to your needs. 18:00 – 19:30 is preferred by most photographers. Because during this time, the charming blue color of the sky and the dazzling lights of the architecture can form a contrast. Daytime is the best time to catch the details of the buildings. Second, find the appropriate locations. The square in front of the main building is the standard position for a photo of the entire architectural complex. The viewing platforms on the 2nd and 3rd floors offer a high angle shot.

Travel Zhangjiajie with China Xian Tour

Traveling with China Xian Tour allows you to discover Zhangjiajie with a full ease and confidence. From personalized trip planning to on-the-ground support, China Xian Tour takes care of all the details to make this trip suits your pace and interests—transportation, accommodation, tickets, and more. With us, you won’t just see Zhangjiajie, you’ll truly enjoy its natural, cultural and historic beauty. Also, you can contact us to tailor-make a Zhangjiajie tour including the 72 Strange Buildings or any other cultural or natural highlights.