2011-15 Shibaozhai Temple, Zhongxian, China
Hello All,
We cruised through the night, and upon waking the next morning we were tied up at the dock in Zhongxian. From our balcony we could see the beautiful red pagoda leading to Shibaozhai Temple (pronounced she-bah’o-ch’eye) in the distance. The temple is perched high atop a 100-foot rock outcropping on a small island. The 12-story pagoda going up the face of the outcropping is a gem of Chinese architecture.
The temple was built during the Qing Dynasty in 1650. During its early years it was inaccessible except via a cumbersome chain apparatus that hoisted visitors up the rock face. The tall pagoda tower wasn’t built until the 1800s and consists of two sections, all built without the use of nails. The upper section sits on top of the rock outcropping where the temple building resides. The lower section is not a free standing structure like you might think. It was designed to lean against the rock face for support--hence, the Leaning Tower of China.
We cruised through the night, and upon waking the next morning we were tied up at the dock in Zhongxian. From our balcony we could see the beautiful red pagoda leading to Shibaozhai Temple (pronounced she-bah’o-ch’eye) in the distance. The temple is perched high atop a 100-foot rock outcropping on a small island. The 12-story pagoda going up the face of the outcropping is a gem of Chinese architecture.
The temple was built during the Qing Dynasty in 1650. During its early years it was inaccessible except via a cumbersome chain apparatus that hoisted visitors up the rock face. The tall pagoda tower wasn’t built until the 1800s and consists of two sections, all built without the use of nails. The upper section sits on top of the rock outcropping where the temple building resides. The lower section is not a free standing structure like you might think. It was designed to lean against the rock face for support--hence, the Leaning Tower of China.
As we disembarked the ship
there were numerous people on the ramp washing their clothes in the river.
Laundry is carried to the river via basket backpacks with a couple of hoops
built in for their arms--quite interesting. You can certainly understand why
the Chinese people are trim and slim. Note in the photo below how the gentleman
on the left is squatting on the curb. This is how the Chinese people of all
ages rest and it is a common practice throughout this part of the world.
Washing clothes appeared to be
a family affair with men, women and children participating in the
activity--although we observed the women doing most of the work pounding the
wet clothing with a stick.
Aren’t these little guys
adorable!
It was about a mile walk from
the ship to the temple. Our route took us through the town shopping promenade
where outdoor booths had all types of memorabilia for sale.
There were folks performing,
and others set off hundreds of firecrackers on giant pinwheels in the street as
we walked by.
We had to walk across a
magnificently adorned swinging bridge to get to the island location of the
temple. With all the people walking on the bridge at once, stable it was not!
Every step was a moving challenge--like trying to walk during an earthquake.
Below the pagoda on the island
there was a lovely garden.
We worked our way around and then climbed the
many steps up to the base of the pagoda. Along the way we stopped here and
there to snap a photo or two. It was such an impressive area.
Climbing to the top of the
pagoda was no easy chore--especially if you are an old fat guy! The staircase inside is of the steep “ship
ladder” style. Can’t you imagine what Dave was thinking in the following
photo!! He only had about eight more
stories to go.
We made it to the top and were
rewarded with a great view. Although sand storms from the Tibetan plateau were
putting a haze in the air.
Within the temple were
numerous statues and figurines of royalty and dignitaries during the Qing
Dynasty era. The area is a Chinese Historical Site and very well maintained.
Below our group is working their way into the temple area.
We found our visit to
Zhongxian and the Shibaozhai Temple to be quite enjoyable and would recommend
it as a place to visit should your travels bring you to this part of our
shrinking planet. Our next port of call will be Chongqing. It is the largest
city in China--approaching 40 million. It is also our last port of call on the
Yangtze River, but more about our adventures there later.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns