Zhengding ancient town: exceptional and ethereal (4)

Many Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) walls survive, having weathered offensives during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45) and other assaults.

Nature dissolved some of Longxing's buildings during the Republic of China (1912-49).

Several town walls were refurbished by replacing the insides to ensure structural integrity, while leaving the original exteriors. Bricks were confiscated to build houses during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76).

Homeowners later returned many of these, and they were often restored in their original locations.

An exceptional number of Zhengding's Song era-statues, murals and steles survived tumults.

The west and north gates are the oldest. Zhengding's main gate bifurcates into one stairway and horse-path that has been restored and another that crumbles in its original state.

Four Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) stupas still tower above the ancient town.

They're equated to the legendary Four Beauties.

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