History of Shibaozhai

Shibaozhai in Ancient

In end of Ming Dynasty, Tan Hong, who is the head of peasant uprising, ever possessed there as his mountain fortress, hence it was named Shibaozhai. Shibaozhai was built in Wanli of Ming Dynasty, as early as 400 years ago. This building was built upon a mountain with cornice, looks very grand. There are 12 floors in the building, 56 meters high. There are ancient monastery on the top, walls upon cliff, grand halls which are magnificence, relics' exhibition rooms, Duck Hole, Flowing Rice Hole in the building.

Shibaozhai in Modern Time

Shibaozhai is famous for its splendid buildings and interesting legends. It was listed as one of the Eight Queer Buildings. After opening to outside in 1979, there accepts 220,000 visitors in a year. It was named "pearl on the river" by visitors.

Shibaozhai is an isolated peak which towering up from the ground with cliffs on the four sides. In early of Qianlong in Qing Dynasty, there built a temple based on the iron chains on the cliff. During Jiajing period, skillful craftsman researched how to replace the iron chains and built the 9 floors pavilion upon the mountain. In 1956, it was rebuilt into 12 floors. Now, it is "Small Penglai" where visitors to enjoy Yangtze River scenery.

Shibaozhai located in north bank of Yangtze River; 45 kilometers to Zhongxian County, Chongqing. There is a giant stone which is said left by Goddess of Sky-patching facing the river, hence it was named "Shibao" (Treasure Stone). As for its shape looks like jade seal, it also named "Jade Seal Mountain". In end of Ming Dynasty, Tan Hong, who is the head of peasant uprising, ever possessed there as his mountain fortress, hence it was named Shibaozhai.

Shibaozhai after Three Gorges Dam Project

Shibaozhai is the largest remaining column - and - tie wooden construction in China. When Three Gorges Reservoir began to storage water in 2003, the water level of Yangtze River would increase to the gate; there would form a lake in the fortress, Shibaozhai would become a "water fortress".

In order to rescue these valuable historical relics, specialists suggested that building a wall around the fortress to protect it. At that time, Shibaozhai was surrounded by water, just like a giant bonsai in the river.

In April 17th, 2009, the rescue project which lasted three years and cost about a hundred million completed, the scenic spots opened again. The new image of Shibaozhai is surrounded by giant dike, become a giant "bonsai" on the river surface in Yangtze River.