Shibaozhai is located in Zhongxian County, Chongqing, and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area has distinct characteristics, with its iconic building, the Shibaozhai Tower, being a wooden structure built against a mountain. It has 12 floors and stands 56 meters high. Shibaozhai is renowned for its unique architectural style and rich historical and cultural connotations. The entire scenic area covers an area of approximately 50,000 square meters, where the mountains are clear and the waters are beautiful, with stunning surrounding natural scenery. The cultural landscapes and natural landscapes complement each other perfectly. The architecture of Shibaozhai skillfully integrates traditional Chinese architectural art with local cultural features, and it is one of the largest and most storied existing bucket-type wooden structures in China.
Historical Culture
Shibaozhai was first built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, and it is an ancient architectural complex integrating a fortress, a temple, and a city. Legend has it that Shibaozhai was constructed to commemorate Nüwa mending the sky, and there are many related myths and legends circulating locally. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, large-scale renovations and expansions were carried out on Shibaozhai, 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 about 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 multiple 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 heritage. Many traditional folk activities and festivals, such as temple fairs, are held in Shibaozhai, attracting numerous 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 a bucket-type wooden structure with a unique architectural style, featuring overhanging eaves and exquisite shapes. The tower houses many exquisite murals and carvings, showcasing traditional Chinese architectural art and cultural connotations. Visitors can climb along the wooden stairs of the tower to enjoy the surrounding natural scenery and the beauty of the architecture.
Tianzi Hall
Tianzi Hall is located at the top of Shibaozhai and is a temple dedicated to gods. Various statues of gods are enshrined in the hall, and the architectural style is solemn and respectful. The scenery around Tianzi Hall is beautiful, and standing in front of the hall, one can overlook the Yangtze River and the surrounding mountains and waters. Visitors can feel a strong religious atmosphere here and learn about the local religious culture.
Fortress Gate
The Fortress Gate is the entrance to Shibaozhai, with an ancient and elegant architectural style. There are exquisite carvings and inscriptions above the gate, demonstrating traditional Chinese architectural art. After entering the gate, visitors feel as if they have traveled back in time to ancient times, experiencing a strong historical atmosphere.
"Bi Zi Bei" Stone Archway
"Bi Zi Bei" Stone Archway: Built in the 26th year of the Daoguang Reign of the Qing Dynasty, it is a landmark structure of Shibaozhai. The front of the archway's lintel is engraved with the three large characters "必自卑" in intaglio, and the back is inscribed with the four characters "Zhan Zhi Zai Qian".
Guan Yu Relief Art Wall
The Guan Yu Relief Art Wall, also known as Guan Yu Wall, is a white marble relief wall depicting stories of Guan Yu from the Three Kingdoms period. The loyalty culture centered on Guan Yu's "loyalty" occupies an extremely important position in the history of the Chinese nation. Zhongxian County is the only prefecture or county in Chinese history named after "loyalty".
Tour Route
After entering the scenic area, visitors can first visit the Fortress Gate to experience its ancient architectural style. Then, climb the Shibaozhai Tower along the wooden stairs, admire the murals and carvings inside the tower, and reach the top of the tower to overlook the surrounding landscapes. After that, head to Tianzi Hall to learn about the local religious culture and appreciate the statues and architecture in the hall. During the tour, visitors can also taste local delicacies such as Zhongxian fermented tofu and Shibao steamed tofu. At the end of the visit, visitors can purchase some characteristic souvenirs at the souvenir shops in the scenic area.
Travel Suggestions
- It is recommended that visitors arrange their tour time in the morning or afternoon, avoiding the high-temperature period at noon, so as to better enjoy the scenery and architecture of the scenic area.
- When climbing the Shibaozhai Tower, pay attention to safety, especially when walking on the wooden stairs, be careful of slipping.
- When tasting local food, pay attention to food hygiene and choose regular restaurants and stalls.
- If interested in history and culture, you can rent a guide device at the visitor service center in the scenic area to better understand the history and culture of Shibaozhai.
Notes
- Take good care of the scenic environment, do not spit or litter, and keep the scenic area clean and tidy.
- Abide by 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 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, so please abide by the relevant regulations.
- In case of emergency, seek help from the scenic area staff in time or call the local emergency number.
- Do not arbitrarily carve or graffiti in the tower, and take good care of cultural relics and historic sites.
Transportation
- Bus: Visitors can first reach downtown Chongqing, then take a bus from the bus station in downtown Chongqing to Zhongxian County. After arriving in Zhongxian County, take a bus from Zhongxian Bus Station to Shibaozhai or take a taxi to the scenic area.
- Self-driving: Enter "Shibaozhai" in the navigation software and follow the navigation route. There is a parking lot in the scenic area for the convenience of visitors.
Opening Hours
Summer: 08:30 - 17:30, Winter: 09:00 - 17:00
Tickets
The ticket price for 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 get the latest updates or buy tickets online.