Zhuokeji Tusi Residence is located in Barkam City, Ngawa Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is one of the largest and best-preserved Tusi Residence in western Sichuan, and is hailed as "a pearl of Eastern architecture."
Zhuokeji Tusi Residence
Zhuokeji Tusi Residence
Zhuokeji is located in Xisuo Village, Barkam Town, Barkam City, Ngawa Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is about 7 km from downtown Barkam and around 350km from Chengdu city.
Zhuokeji Tusi was one of the eighteen Tusi of the Jiarong Tibetan people in western Sichuan during the Qing Dynasty. Its history can be traced back to the 23rd year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1286 AD). In the 13th year of the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty (1748 AD), the chieftain was officially given the title of Chief (Zhangguansi) for his meritorious service in the campaign against the Jinchuan. The Zhuokeji Tusi, together with the Tusi of Songgang, Suomo, and Dangba, were collectively known as the "Four Territories."
The existing complex was rebuilt between 1938 and 1940 by the last Tusi, Suo Guanying, who mobilized hundreds of local people to reconstruct it after the original residence was destroyed by fire in 1936. In 1988, the residence was listed as one of the third batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units in China.
The residence faces southwest, with a northeast–southwest orientation. It covers an area of approximately 3,400 square meters, with a floor space of about 1,400 square meters. The building stands 19.5 meters tall, has five stories, and contains 63 rooms. The architectural style reflects a fusion of Tibetan and Han Chinese elements. Suo Guanying, having received a Chinese classical education since childhood, incorporated traditional Tibetan "Qionglong" blockhouse styling while boldly adopting Han Chinese architectural techniques such as symmetrical central-axis layout, courtyard-style arrangement, and openwork carved railings.
The novel Red Poppies (Chen Ai Luo Ding) by the writer Alai, which won the Mao Dun Literature Prize, draws on the historical Tusi culture of the Barkam region. The residence also served as a primary filming location for the television adaptation of the same name. Many locals believe that the character of the Maichi Tusi in the novel is based on Suo Guanying.
Recommended time of visit:1-3h
Ticket Information: 80 yuan
Business Hour: 09:00-17:00
