Shibaozhai is located in Zhongxian County, Chongqing City. It is a national 4A-level tourist scenic area. The scenic area has distinct features. Its landmark building, the Shibaozhai Tower, is a wooden building built against the mountain. It has 12 floors and is 56 meters high. Shibaozhai is famous for its unique architectural style and rich historical and cultural connotations. The total area of the scenic area is about 50,000 square meters. Here, the mountains are beautiful and the waters are clear. The natural scenery around is beautiful, and the cultural landscapes and natural landscapes complement each other. The buildings of Shibaozhai skillfully integrate traditional Chinese architectural art and local cultural characteristics, and it is one of the largest and most multi-layered dougong-style wooden buildings existing in China.
History and Culture
Shibaozhai was initially built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. It is an ancient architectural complex integrating the stockade, temple, and city. According to legend, Shibaozhai was built to commemorate Nüwa mending the sky, and there are many related mythical legends spread locally. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, Shibaozhai underwent large-scale renovation and expansion, gradually forming its current scale.
Historically, Shibaozhai was an important cultural and trade node along the Yangtze River. Passing ships and pedestrians would stop here, bringing cultural and material exchanges from various places. Shibaozhai has witnessed the development and changes of the Yangtze River Basin, and its architectural style and cultural connotations have been influenced by various cultures such as Bayu culture and Yangtze River culture.
Shibaozhai is not only a treasure of architectural art but also carries the local historical memories and cultural inheritance. Many traditional folk activities and festival activities are held in Shibaozhai, such as temple fairs, attracting a large number of tourists and local residents to participate.
Main Attractions
Shibaozhai Tower
The Shibaozhai Tower is the core attraction of the scenic area. It has 12 floors and is 56 meters high. The tower adopts the dougong-style wooden structure, with a unique architectural style, upturned eaves, and exquisite shapes. Many exquisite murals and carvings are preserved in the tower, demonstrating traditional Chinese architectural art and cultural connotations. Tourists can climb along the wooden stairs of the tower to enjoy the natural scenery and the beauty of the architecture around.
Tianzi Hall
The Tianzi Hall is located at the top of Shibaozhai. It is a temple enshrining various deities. The architectural style of the hall is solemn and solemn. The scenery around the Tianzi Hall is beautiful, and visitors can overlook the Yangtze River and the surrounding landscape in front of the hall. Tourists can feel the strong religious atmosphere here and learn about the local religious culture.
The Stockade Gate
The stockade gate is the entrance of Shibaozhai, with a simple and elegant architectural style. There are exquisite carvings and inscriptions above the stockade gate, demonstrating traditional Chinese architectural art. When tourists enter the stockade gate, they seem to travel back in time and can feel the strong historical atmosphere.
Delicacies
Zhongxian Fermented Bean Curd
Zhongxian Fermented Bean Curd is a local characteristic delicacy. It selects high-quality soybeans as raw materials and is made through multiple processes such as soaking soybeans, grinding soybeans into pulp, curdling, and fermentation. Zhongxian Fermented Bean Curd has a delicate taste, a delicious flavor, a rich soy aroma, and a unique flavor. It is a popular special product for tourists to taste and purchase.
Wuyang Baijiu of Zhongzhou
Wuyang Baijiu of Zhongzhou is a traditional famous liquor in Zhongxian County. It uses sorghum, wheat, etc. as raw materials and is brewed through traditional brewing processes such as fermentation and distillation. Wuyang Baijiu of Zhongzhou has a mellow aroma, a soft and smooth taste, and a unique flavor. It is a favorite drink of local residents, and tourists can also taste and purchase it.
Shibao Steamed Tofu
Shibao Steamed Tofu is a characteristic dish around Shibaozhai. It selects fresh local tofu, matches it with various seasonings and ingredients, and is steamed. Shibao Steamed Tofu has a tender and smooth taste, a delicious flavor, and rich nutrition. It is a characteristic delicacy that tourists can taste when dining in the scenic area.
Admission Ticket
The admission ticket price of Shibaozhai Scenic Area is 45 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "忠州石宝寨景区", to obtain the latest news or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Summer: 08:30 - 17:30, Winter: 09:00 - 17:00
Itinerary
After entering the scenic area, tourists can first visit the stockade gate and experience the simple architectural style. Then, climb the Shibaozhai Tower along the wooden stairs, admire the murals and carvings inside the tower, and overlook the surrounding landscape from the top of the tower. After that, go to the Tianzi Hall, learn about the local religious culture, and admire the statues and architecture in the hall. During the tour, tourists can also taste local delicacies such as Zhongxian Fermented Bean Curd and Shibao Steamed Tofu. After the tour, tourists can buy some special souvenirs in the souvenir shops in the scenic area.
Transportation
- By Bus: Tourists can first arrive in Chongqing City, then take a bus to Zhongxian County at the bus station in Chongqing City. After arriving in Zhongxian County, take a bus or a taxi to the scenic area at the bus station in Zhongxian County.
- By Self-driving: Enter "Shibaozhai" in the navigation software and drive according to the navigation route. There are parking lots in the scenic area, which is convenient for tourists to park.
Must-visit Attractions
- Shibaozhai Tower: As the landmark building of the scenic area, the tower has a unique architectural style, and the murals and carvings inside are exquisite. Tourists can overlook the beautiful landscape from the tower.
- Tianzi Hall: Located at the top of Shibaozhai, the building is solemn and tourists can feel the strong religious atmosphere here and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
- The Stockade Gate: The simple and elegant stockade gate is the entrance of the scenic area. The carvings and inscriptions on it demonstrate traditional Chinese architectural art, allowing tourists to feel the strong historical atmosphere.
Travel Suggestions
- It is recommended that tourists arrange their visit time in the morning or afternoon and avoid the high-temperature period at noon to better appreciate the scenery and architecture of the scenic area.
- When climbing the Shibaozhai Tower, pay attention to safety, especially when walking on the wooden stairs, and be careful to prevent slipping.
- When tasting local delicacies, pay attention to food hygiene and choose regular restaurants and stalls.
- If you are interested in history and culture, you can rent a commentary device at the tourist service center in the scenic area to better understand the history and culture of Shibaozhai.
Precautions
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area. Do not spit or litter to keep the scenic area clean and tidy.
- Comply with the rules and regulations of the scenic area. Do not climb dangerous buildings and do not damage the facilities and landscapes of the scenic area.
- When visiting in the scenic area, pay attention to your own safety, especially when walking in buildings such as the tower.
- Photography may be prohibited in some areas of the scenic area. Pay attention to complying with relevant regulations.
- If an emergency occurs, seek help from the staff of the scenic area in time or call the local emergency number.