Tusi Sites

Situated in the mountainous regions of southwestern China, this UNESCO World Heritage property comprises the remnants of several tribal domains governed by hereditary chieftains known as Tusi. Appointed by the central government between the 13th and early 20th centuries, these rulers oversaw a unique administrative system rooted in the governance traditions of ethnic minorities, which originated as early as the 3rd century BCE. The Tusi system sought to harmonize centralized imperial administration with the preservation of local ethnic customs and social structures.

The three core sites—Laosicheng, Tangya, and Hailongtun Fortress—collectively exemplify this distinctive governance model. Laosicheng and Hailongtun Fortress, through their archaeological remains and standing structures, represent domains of the highest-ranking Tusi rulers. In contrast, the Tangya site, with its memorial archway, administrative ruins, boundary walls, drainage systems, and tombs, illustrates the domain of a lower-ranking Tusi chief. Together, these sites reflect a fusion of local ethnic traditions and centralized imperial influences, underscoring the interplay of cultural values and administrative practices during the Yuan and Ming dynasties. They also maintain a living connection to the cultural heritage of local ethnic groups, particularly the Tujia communities in Laosicheng, whose traditions continue to embody the legacy of the Tusi system.