Shibaozhai Temple

» Chongqing, Si Chuan

Shibaozhai Temple Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

There stands a tall structure about 56 meters high from the waist to the top of the lonely peak, Yuyin Sichuan Province, named Shibaozhai Temple. The extraordinary design make it one of the eight most oddity designed structures in the world. Though it usually takes about one hour to reach the top of Shibaozhai, the breathtaking view of the rivers and villages below makes the trek worthwhile.

Something needs to know

Shibaozhai Temple was built at the reign of Emperor Kangxi of Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). Tower structure consists of gateway, tower body, and the top temple Tianzi Palace; it was built according to the nature element of the mountain and its architectural design is unique and peculiar. With 56-meter high, this tower has 12 floors and became one of the eight most oddity designed structures in the world due to the tower's extraordinary design.

The name Shibaozhai literally means "Stone Treasure Fortress." Each floor of the Shibaozhai contains beautiful paintings and sculptures dedicated to a famous general of the Three Kingdoms period (220 - 265), a local scholar or a renowned Chinese poet. Though it usually takes about one hour to reach the top of Shibaozhai, the breathtaking view of the rivers and villages below makes the trek worthwhile.

Climbing to the top

River cruise ships sailing the Yangtze River often stop over at Shibaozhai Temple so that the passengers can climb to the top of the pagoda. The Temple is relying on the peak; stairs is the only way to climb the peak. The higher one climbs in the temple, the more likely your wish or dreams will come true.

This may be easier said than done, since each floor of the Shibaozhai Temple is reached via a creaky, unstable ladder. I guess the climb wasn't too bad, because we all made it to the top! Gazing at the top of the tower, you will be move by the endless river flow and the beautiful scenery in front of your eyes.

Getting around other spots

Keeping going north you will arrive at the Wang County, the gateway of north Sichuan Province. This place was never absent in the ancient civil wars. During the years of Three Kingdoms (221 - 263), King Liubei was once here with his army, therefore, people also called this town the Tianzi City. ("King City")

Following the Wang County, you are going to see another famous site: Zhang Fei Temple. It is said by legends that after Zhang Fei was dead, who had ever been the great general of Three Kingdoms, people buried his skull here. The temple is about 1700 years old and gets the name "the greatest view of Bashu."

There are many temples and palaces here like Jieyi Building, Zhu Feng Castle, and Cuckoo Pavilion. There are also great many valuable inscriptions written by many famous poets and generals. ("Yue Fei, Huang Ting Jian, etc.")

Attractions around » Chongqing, Si Chuan

Natural Scene

• Qutang Gorge
• Wu Gorge
• Eling Park
• Port Chaotianmen
• Mt. Geleshan

Historical Site

• Kuimen
• Baidicheng
• Fengdu
• Dazu Rock Carvings
• Shibaozhai Temple
• Chongqing People's Assembly Hall
• Ciqikou Old Town

Cultural Site

• Eling Park
• Chongqing Zoo
• Chongqing Three Gorges Museum
• Wanzhou
• Artists' Village

Shibaozhai Temple Highlights

Ancient City & Town in Great China

• Lijiang Old Town
• Ancient Town of Zhouzhuang
• Shuhe Naxi Village
• Jiaohe Ruins
• Ancient Town of Wuzhen
• Pingyao Ancient City
• Tunxi Ancient Street
• Xidi Village
• Hongcun Village
• Yangliuqing Town
• Old Town of Xitang
• Cuandixia Village
• Zhujiajiao Old Town
• Phoenix Town
• Loulan Ancient City
• Qiuci Capital Ruins
• Baidicheng
• Fengdu
• Shibaozhai Temple
• Mallikurwatur Ruins
• Tangyue Archway
• Dali Ancient City
• Qingyan Ancient Town
• Zhenyuan Ancient Town
• Stone Drum Town
• Gaochang Ancient City
• Furong Town
• Qibaozhen Ancient Town
• Tongli Town
• Daxu Ancient Town
• Jingzhou Ancient City
• Nanping Village
• Xingping Town
• Longli Ancient Town
• Ancient Sanlu Temple Street
• Shiban Street
• Ciqikou Old Town
• Tunbao Cultural Village
• Kashgar Old Town
• Subashi Ancient City
• Gyangtze Old Town
• Lhatse
• Jinli Street
• Langzhong Ancient City

Shibaozhai Temple FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. Is Chongqing's weather very hot? What to notice?

  Shopping

1. What sourvenirs should I buy and where?

  Travel

1. Can I tour around Chonqing by bike?

  Customs

1. Could I get to know something about minority cultures in Chongqing?

  Other Hints

1. Notice this if you tend to drink beer in a bar
2. Emergency numbers
3. Mind this customs rule

• Is Chongqing's weather very hot? What to notice?

  Chongqing is located in the transition area between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Middle-lower Yangtze Plain. Which is famous for its hot summers and it is known as one of 'the three furnace cities'. The other two are Nanjing and Wuhan. Bring light clothing such as T-shirts, shorts and sandals if you come in summer. Also, remember to bring your umbrella, sunglasses, and suntan lotion to avoid the heat of the 'burning furnace'. The best season to visit Chongqing is in spring, autumn and winter.

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• Could i get to know something about minority cultures in Chongqing?

  Chongqing is a multi-cultural city, with about 23 distinct minority cultures. The Tujia and the Miao are the largest two minorities in Chongqing and mainly inhabit the Qianjiang Development District and the Fuling District. Every January 3 to 15 of the lunar calendar, Tujia people hold grand activities of worship, praying and dancing. The Miao people express themselves through singing.

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• Can i tour around Chonqing by bike?

  The bike is the worst choice for people who understand the structure of the mountain city. First timers to Chongqing should be warned it is very easy to get lost. The bus system and monorail are advised as the best forms of transportation.

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• What sourvenirs should I buy and where?

  The local "Tan Mu Jiang" (Carpenter Tan) carpentry shop is worth a visit for its fine wood artwares
  

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• Notice this if you tend to drink beer in a bar

  There are many bars in Chongqing, but most are underpopulated. Several branches of the Newcastle Arms offer the closest thing to proper beer, but be sure they get your beer from the pump and not the slop tray.

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• Emergency numbers

  • Ambulance: 120
    
  • Emergencies: 110
    
  • Fire: 119
    
  • Tel No. Enquiry: 114
    
  • Police: 110



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• Mind this customs rule

  Customs rules require an accounting of all valuables including watches, jewellery, cameras and currency that you are taking in. A copy of this is surrendered on departure and anything missing may well be treated as imported and duty required accordingly. Therefore make sure you obtain a police report for any goods stolen during your stay.
  Recorded video-tapes must be declared and may be viewed by the Authorities on arrival.

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