Cultural Insider: Chinese chieftain system

Tourists visit a chieftain's grave in Tangya chieftain city in Central China's Hubei province. [Photo/Xinhua]

What are Tusi sites?

Tusi sites are a unique witness to the Native Chieftain System in ancient China.

Most Tusi sites were built along hillsides, mixing with and taking advantage of local topography by making hills the main defensive elements.

The Tusi sites tactfully integrated government offices, residential quarters, military fortifications and commercial and transportation facilities into fully-functioning cities within limited space in the mountainous area. They are exceptional examples of mountain cities in ancient China.