Shibaozhai temple

Shibaozhai Temple

Shibaozhai Temple is a famous historical and architectural site located on the banks of the Yangtze River in Zhong County, Chongqing, China. The name “Shibaozhai” means “Precious Stone Fortress,” and it is one of the most stunning examples of Chinese wooden architecture.

The temple is built against a steep, rocky hill that rises about 56 meters (around 184 feet) high. It consists of a twelve-story wooden pagoda constructed without the use of nails. Each floor has different paintings, sculptures, and relics dedicated to various Buddhist deities and legends. Visitors climb the stairs inside the pagoda to reach the top, where a small temple offers panoramic views of the Yangtze River.

Originally built during the Ming Dynasty (around the 16th century), Shibaozhai has survived many centuries of floods and weather changes. When the Three Gorges Dam was constructed, the area around the temple was threatened by rising water levels. To protect it, a large embankment was built, turning the site into a small island in the river.

Today, Shibaozhai Temple stands as a symbol of ancient Chinese craftsmanship and spiritual devotion. It attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims each year, who come to admire its beauty, history, and peaceful surroundings.