Shibaozhai, Buddhist temple complex in Zhong County, China
Shibaozhai is a temple complex in Zhong County featuring a striking red wooden pavilion that rises 12 stories against a 200-meter rocky hill along the Yangtze River. The site links the hilltop temple with the impressive wooden structure through stairs and passages that connect the different levels.
The hilltop temple was built in 1750 during Emperor Qianlong's reign, while the nine-story pavilion was added in 1819. These two structures were completed nearly 70 years apart, with the wooden building constructed well after the original temple.
Each floor of the wooden building displays artworks and exhibits honoring generals from the Three Kingdoms period and classical Chinese poets. Visitors find themselves surrounded by reminders of these historical and literary figures as they ascend the structure.
The complex is accessible through a protective wall built to shield it from flooding caused by the Three Gorges Dam reservoir. Visitors should expect a steep climb with multiple flights of stairs, as both the pavilion and hilltop temple require ascending through several levels.
A rice well at the summit once provided daily portions for temple monks until a greedy monk enlarged the hole, causing the water to stop flowing. This forgotten tale reveals how the monks depended on this natural spring for their sustenance.
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