Shuri Castle — Ryukyu Kingdom Royal Palace

Shuri Castle was the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429–1879), a sophisticated maritime trading nation that maintained diplomatic and economic ties with China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The castle's architecture reflects this hybrid identity — Chinese palace design (vermillion pillars, tiled roofs) combined with Japanese defensive elements (stone walls, strategic positioning) and indigenous Ryukyuan decorative motifs (dragon carvings, sacred symbols).

The main palace burned completely in a 2019 fire but is currently under reconstruction (scheduled completion 2026). The site remains open, showing the reconstruction process and the survived outer structures, gates, and stone foundations.