Historical structures from the ethnically diverse Tusi Sites in southwest China are stepping into the pantheon of world cultural treasures. Tusi refers to tribal chieftains governing non-Han ethnic groups in southwest China who were appointed by the central government from the 13th century to the mid-20th century. Most of the listed Tusi structures were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in three locations: the Laosicheng Site in Youngshun county, Hunan province; the Hailongtun Site in Zunyi, Guizhou province; and the Tangyacheng Site in Hubei province's Xianfeng county.[China.org.cn]