The 72 Strange Buildings, sometimes written 72 Wonder Towers or 72 Qilou, stand on the edge of Zhangjiajie city and are one of the more unusual structures in Hunan. The complex is made up of eighteen traditional Tujia stilted houses, some of them reported to be more than two centuries old, which were moved to the site and reassembled, then joined together by steel frames into a single enormous tower. The number 72 is a Tujia way of saying many, not a literal count. The central space is a high cave-like opening which is aligned so that, through it, you can see Tianmen Cave on the mountain beyond. The main structure is for looking at rather than climbing, but the two-storey base around it holds a bonfire square, a market for local specialities, a food court, a bar street and a street designed like a film set. The ticket linked here is an entry ticket, so it suits anyone who wants an easy evening on a day when they are already on the Tianmen side of the area.
What you can do
Wander the lower levels, browse stalls selling local snacks and crafts, watch the short outdoor performances of folk songs and staged ceremonies that run through the evening, and look up at the main tower. Miao costume photography is a popular add-on. Outdoor performances are generally free to watch once you are inside, while small indoor teahouse shows charge a cover. The food court and street stalls give you a chance to try regional dishes such as rice tofu and Tujia cured pork, so many visitors treat it as a dinner stop.
Tickets and timing
Entry is split into a daytime session and a later night session, with the night session priced higher and starting once the day session ends. The daytime ticket usually lets you stay on into the evening, so a late afternoon arrival can cover both.
The lighting is the real draw, with thousands of lights picking out the timbers after dark, and lights come on later in summer than in winter. Allow one to two hours. The performances are scheduled in the evening and can be cancelled in heavy rain, so check before relying on them.
Getting there and tips
The complex is a short taxi ride from the city centre, and public buses run but stop fairly early in the evening, so plan on a taxi or a booked car for the return. Weekdays are calmer than public holidays. Lockers are available near the ticket area, which helps if you are arriving from a day out with bags.
If you do not want to go in, the complex can be seen from across the road, but the best of it is inside. Pair it with a Tianmen Mountain day, because both are on the same side of the city, and you can follow it with the Fox Fairy Show on a different night.
What to expect
The experience
A walk-in complex of Tujia stilted houses with food stalls, market streets and short folk performances, with a daytime and a night entry session.
Best time
Late afternoon into the evening, once the lighting is on and the performances start.
How long
One to two hours at an easy pace.
Tips
Use a taxi for the return, check the performance schedule at the gate and go on a weekday if you want fewer crowds.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A short, atmospheric evening stop with local food and lights.
- Families
- Children like the lights, bonfire square and street food; it is a gentle outing with little walking.
- Couples
- Best after dusk with a snack in hand and a look at the lit timbers.
- Pair with
- Tianmen Mountain by day, or the Fox Fairy Show on another evening.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
What are the 72 Strange Buildings?+
A complex of reassembled traditional Tujia stilted houses joined into one giant tower near Zhangjiajie city. The 72 in the name means many rather than an exact number.
Is it better by day or at night?+
The lighting and the evening performances make after dusk the best time. A daytime ticket usually lets you stay into the evening, so an arrival in the late afternoon covers both.
How long do I need?+
One to two hours is enough for the buildings, the market streets and a snack or meal.
Are the performances free?+
Short outdoor performances are generally free once you are inside, while indoor teahouse shows charge an extra cover. Check the schedule at the gate.
How do I get back to my hotel after dark?+
Public buses stop fairly early, so use a taxi, a booked car or a ride arranged by your hotel. Booking ahead is wise on busy evenings.
