During the 3rd national general survey of cultural relics held recently, three well-preserved castles built in China's Ming Dynasty were discovered in Yizhang County.

Located along the Hunan-Guangdong ancient path, the three castles are Liyuan Caslte, Bali Castle and Huangsha Castle respectively. The Huangsha Castle in Baocheng Village of Huangsha Town was in the best condition amongst all three. 

Built in the 6th year during the reign of Emperor Yongle in Ming Dynasty (1407AD), it is 4.25 meters high, 4.5 meters thick with a circumference of 812 meters and a floor space of over 35,600 m2. There are 8 stone tablets in the castle with one of them being of great historical value during the reign of Emperor Kangxi in Qing Dynasty. A three-storey bluestone arch with three gates stands towards the east of the village and the exquisite inscriptions on it are beautifully delicate and vivid.

According to research, the three castles were all military bases once, around which villages evolved.

Translator: Zhou Qiong