Magnificent architecture

Shibao Stockade Village (石宝寨) is one of China AAAA scenic areas and one of the state’s cultural protection units, located in Yuyin Mountain of northern bank of Yangtze River in Zhong County (忠县), 278 kilometers apart from downtown Chongqing. It stands out as a high hill that looks like a blunt sword extending up on the flat ground. It is said that in ancient times Nv Wa (女娲), who was the creator of human beings, resided here to make colorful stones by casting fairy spells to repair the broken sky. She left a piece of rock. Locals regarded this was the treasure stone, so Shibao meant treasure stone.

It has a tower with 12 floors, of which the top three levels were added in 1956. The tower is made of wood with a height of 56 meters. Its architectural style and surroundings make it looks like a heavenly building. Hence, it is taken as one of world’s eight architectural miracles.

The village was built in the Ming Dynasty about 400 years ago. Tan Hong’s Uprising (谭宏起义) in late Ming Dynasty took this as their base. Therefore, the name of Shibao came from this. Shibao tower is one of several high wooden buildings left in China nowadays; also, a typical and symbolic building characterizes China’s southern folk architectural techniques. In 1979, the village was opened to tourists for sightseeing purposes. Climb to the top of the Shibao tower and command the panoramic view of the majestic Yangtze River will be an overwhelming travel experience.

Great view of the majestic Yangtze River

During the climbing, you will see stone carvings, painted images and poem inscriptions, all about ancient Buddhist religion. On the top, 1,200 square meters of area and 230 meters above sea level, you may feel like you are in a paradise. Just see the clear sky above and you will forget what you are.

The ancient temple carved the images of Nv Wa repairing the sky story. In the backyard of the temple, a large piece of stone with a hole which size looks like a common cup. It is said that after building the Buddhist temple, the stone hole would flow out some amount of rice, which was for daily meals of monks resided in the temple. It was also called the stone of treasure. However, some greedy monks made the hole bigger by digging. The Buddha punished them and the hole was no longer to provide rice. Therefore, greedy is an evil.