The Pearl of the Yangtze River - Chongqing Shibaozhai: A Treasure of History and Nature

[Rose]On the bank of the mighty Yangtze River, there is a dazzling pearl - Chongqing Shibaozhai. It is like a watcher of time, attracting countless people with its unique architectural style, profound historical heritage and charming natural scenery. It is known as the "Pearl of the Yangtze River" and one of the "Eight Strange Buildings in the World". [Rose] Long history and fascinating legends [Rose] The history of Shibaozhai can be traced back to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, approximately the 16th - 17th centuries. Initially, it existed as a military defense and religious site. After years of baptism, most of the existing buildings are the results of reconstruction in the Qing Dynasty. The origin of the name Shibaozhai is full of mystery. The village is built on a huge solitary rock shaped like a jade seal, which is called "Stone Treasure" by people. Legend has it that it is a magical stone left behind by Nuwa when she repaired the sky. It seems to carry an ancient mysterious power, quietly guarding this land and adding a touch of fantasy to Shibaozhai. [Rose] Unique architecture and exquisite craftsmanship [Rose] The most amazing thing about Shibaozhai is the 12-story pavilion, which is about 56 meters high and built entirely on the cliff. What is amazing is that the entire pavilion does not use a single iron nail, but is supported entirely by mortise and tenon structures. Mortise and tenon joints, the crystallization of the wisdom of traditional Chinese architecture, are displayed here to the fullest. Each component fits perfectly and interlocks with each other, forming a stable and exquisite whole. It is therefore praised as "a living fossil of southern China's through-beam wooden structure." [Rose] Climbing up the tower, it feels as if you can touch the pulse of history. As you spiral up the stairs, you can feel the exquisite craftsmanship and infinite wisdom of the ancient craftsmen with every step. At the top of the village is a flat stone platform with a three-story "Emperor's Hall" built on it. The Jade Emperor is enshrined here, and it integrates Taoism, Buddhism and folk beliefs, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of multiple cultures. The gate of the village is narrow and steep, easy to defend but difficult to attack. Historically, it has been a solid fortress to resist wars and banditry. [Rose] Nature and humanity complement each other [Rose] The huge rock on which Shibaozhai is located is itself a wonder. It is about 60 meters high and has a circumference of about 1 kilometer. It is surrounded by water on three sides and is shaped like a solitary peak, forming a unique scene of "one stone forming a mountain". Looking from a distance, the huge rocks seem to rise from the Yangtze River, contrasting with the surging river water, forming a magnificent picture. [Rose] This place also has traces of scholars and writers from past dynasties. Great poets such as Li Bai and Du Fu once visited this place and were shocked by the scenery, leaving behind many popular poems. These poems are not only literary treasures, but also important witnesses of Shibaozhai’s history and culture. They add a strong cultural atmosphere to Shibaozhai in addition to its natural beauty. [Rose] Protecting the changes and continuing the legend [Rose] However, with the construction of the Three Gorges Project, Shibaozhai faced new challenges. After the Three Gorges Reservoir was filled with water, the bottom of Shibaozhai was submerged. In order to protect this precious ancient monument, China implemented the "embankment protection" project and built a giant slope protection dam. Today, Shibaozhai is like a "bonsai in the river", floating quietly on the river. It not only retains its original charm, but also exudes a different vitality in the new environment. [Rose] Chongqing Shibaozhai is a place where history is deposited and a perfect fusion of nature and humanity. It has witnessed the vicissitudes of time and also carries people's yearning for a better life. In the days to come, it will continue to shine with its unique light, attracting more people to explore its mysteries.