Shuri Castle is the most excellent Ryukyu style building structure. It was the political and diplomatic center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, where the king resided. As the Ryukyu Kingdom had a close tie with China and Japan, Chinese and Japanese influence can be seen everywhere in Shuri Castle. The typical examples can be seen in the Main Palace, the South Palace and the North Hall. The Main Palace is the largest wooden building of all the Ryukyu style constructions and the d?cor is overwhelming. A dragon was the symbol of the king and used as the decorative motif of the castle. Totally there are 33 dragons are placed all around the castle, including a pair of stone pillars called “Dai-ryu-chu (the big dragon pillars)”, the roof decoration, and the wall paintings on the Kara-hafu (an undulating bargeboard). The red used for the roof tiles is unique to Okinawa, but the vermillion pillars and walls show strong Chinese influence and give us very romantic and exotic impression. In 2000, Shuri Castle together with other castles, “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu” was designated as a World Heritage Site.