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No. 1 Wuling Mountain Avenue, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China
The tallest ethnic-style stilt building in the world, a dazzling night view spot, and a perfect blend of Tujia culture and modern technology.
The 72 Wonder Tower (also known as 72 Strange Buildings or 72 Qilou) in Zhangjiajie is a stunning 109.9-meter-high stilted building, certified by the Guinness World Records as the world's tallest of its kind. Its iconic hollowed-out central arch forms a "Twin Caves Gazing at Each Other" spectacle with the distant Tianmen Cave, solidifying its status as Zhangjiajie's new urban landmark. This architectural marvel masterfully blends Tujia ethnic culture with modern technology.
By day, visitors can admire its intricate wooden carvings and experience folk activities like silver forging. By night, it transforms into a kingdom of lights, where 3,000 lamps and 7D holographic projections create a magical nightscape. Inside, a bustling world awaits with snack streets, bar streets, and craft workshops, offering local delicacies such as Xiangxi bacon and sour fish soup. Complimentary performances like the "Lighting the Tower" ceremony and bonfire parties add to the excitement. As the tallest ethnic-style building in China, it’s a star attraction in Zhangjiajie’s night scene, offering 72 fun and creative experiences that truly capture the spirit of “a different view with every step.”
The 72 Wonder Tower’s main structure stands 109.9 meters tall and is composed of 36 interlocking wooden stilt buildings, stacked like a mountain village. The design won its Guinness World Record in 2019, making it the world’s tallest stilt-style wooden structure.
Its central hollow arch, measuring 38 meters high and 28 meters wide, directly faces the natural Tianmen Cave several kilometers away, creating the stunning “Double Gates in Dialogue” visual effect. Often referred to as the “Tujia Potala Palace,” the tower’s design features tiered balconies, overhanging eaves, and intricate wooden carvings.
At night, the entire structure transforms — its glowing eaves and swirling corridors, illuminated by golden light, resemble a soaring dragon winding through the mountain mist, making it a must-see for architecture lovers and photographers alike.
• Heavenly Palace Tower (Tiangong Qilou)
This is the core area of the 72 Wonder Tower, including the main 109.9-meter-high structure and eighteen suspended Tujia-style buildings. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tianmen Cave and the surrounding city.
• Fireworks Old Street (Yanhuo Lao Jie)
Covering over 30,000 square meters, this lively pedestrian zone features snack streets, bar alleys, traditional workshops, and performance plazas. The area recreates the look and feel of an ancient Xiangxi town, full of local charm and cultural life.
• Seventy-Two Wonder Villages (Qizhai Area)
A cultural zone themed around Tujia mountain villages, complete with ethnic museums, boutique hotels, and immersive cultural experiences. It’s an ideal place to understand Tujia heritage and lifestyle in depth.
Admire the Unique Architecture
Stroll along suspended glass walkways and admire the grand stilt buildings up close. From the observation deck, visitors can see both the tower’s hollow arch and Tianmen Cave framed together — a one-of-a-kind visual encounter.
Experience Tujia Folk Culture
Inside the intangible heritage exhibition zone, artisans demonstrate ancient silver crafting, Xilankapu weaving, mask carving, and bamboo weaving. Watch a silversmith carve butterfly motifs, or a weaver create colorful geometric patterns on a traditional waist loom.
Enjoy the Night Light Show
As evening falls, the 72 Wonder Tower transforms into a magical world of lights. Over 3,000 lanterns illuminate the structure, while 7D holographic projections turn the building into a living canvas featuring mythical creatures from the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing).
The highlight performance, “The Lighting of Qilou” (奇楼掌灯), takes place around 7:50 PM. As the narrator’s voice echoes “Peace to the nation and prosperity to the people,” the entire tower lights up in a breathtaking moment of brilliance.
At 8:30 PM, the emotional performance “Love of My Life” begins at the bonfire plaza, followed by “Mysterious Xiangxi” at 8:55 PM, and the Bonfire Carnival at 9:35 PM, where visitors are invited to join the Tujia dancers. The final show, “Old Shanghai Nights”, ends the evening at 10:05 PM.
Taste Local Flavors
Food lovers will find endless delights here. Classic dishes include Tujia Sanxiaguo (Three Delicacies Hotpot 土家三下锅), Chicken Soup with Rock Ear Fungus（岩耳炖土鸡）, and Stewed Giant Salamander（娃娃鱼）. Popular snacks include Kudzu Root Jelly（葛根粉）, Sticky Rice Cakes（蒿子粑粑）, and Tujia Pancakes（土家酱香饼）.
Join the Lantern Lighting Ceremony
Don’t miss the iconic lantern-lighting ritual, where Tujia men use long bamboo poles to light oil lamps layer by layer up the tower. The scene, combined with drone formations above, creates a stunning “Galaxy over the Sky” effect.
Relax and Soak in the Atmosphere
If you’re not into crowds or performances, you can skip entering the paid area. The best photo opportunities of the illuminated tower are from the front square or the bridge opposite the complex.
Recommended Visit Time: 2–3 hours
Best Time to Visit: From sunset to night, when the lights and performances are in full swing. Spend your day exploring Tianmen Mountain, and come here in the evening for a relaxing night out.
Ticket Information:
The venue does not clear out between day and night. To save money, you can enter with a day ticket and stay for the night attractions. However, note that the complex is compact (walkable in about 20 minutes), performances only start after 18:00, and most food stalls open around 16:30-17:00.
Lighting & Show Schedule:
General Lighting: The tower lights up from 18:00 until 24:00.
Prime Photo Ops: For the most dramatic lighting moment, be ready at 19:53 during the "Lighting the Tower" ceremony when the entire structure instantly illuminates. The lights also change dramatically at the end of the bonfire party.
19:50 - Lighting the Tower Ceremony (Bonfire Square)
20:30 - Love of a Lifetime (Bonfire Square)
20:55 - Mysterious Xiangxi (Intangible Cultural Heritage Tea House)
21:35 - Bonfire Party (Bonfire Square)
22:05 - The Ten Miles of Foreign Concessions (Republic-of-China Era Movie Street)
The 72 Wonder Tower is located in downtown Zhangjiajie, close to major attractions and transportation hubs:
By Public Bus: Take Bus No. 17 from the city center or Tianmen Mountain area directly to the scenic zone.
From $ 438
From $ 451
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