Media workers visit Shibaozhai in Chongqing

A group of journalists from China's major media networks visited the Passing Stone Treasure Stockade, (Shibaozhai) in Zhongxian county, Chongqing on September 13, to discover the unique beauty of the "Pearl on the River".

Shibaozhai in Chongqing's Zhongxian county has a history of over 400 years. [Photo by Ding Yu/chinadaily.com.cn]

Shibaozhai is a wooden structure built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was built upon a rectangular rock with sheer cliffs spanning a height of 56 meters and 12 stories.

As a typical Chuandou structure, Shibaozhai boasts many layers and a distinctive wooden frame to support its roof. It is rare in China and is known as one of the "eight bizarre structures in the world."

"It's amazing that Shibaozhai is an all-wood structure but without a nail. It's amazing." praised Jiang Linglin, an editor at Sichuan News Network.

Local government has launched a protection project for Shibaozhai, including the construction of a cofferdam retaining wall, the construction of a suspension bridge and the maintenance and reinforcement of the wooden tower, which can protect Shibaozhai from the river.

Thus, visitors can enjoy the whole view of Shibaozhai around the water retaining wall or climb up the stairs and climb layer by layer.

He Tian, a journalist of Yunnan Network was taken aback by Shiboazhai., "It is the combination of natural landscape and human landscape with a profound cultural deposit," she said.

"Many details of Shibaozhai’s cultural relics protection reflect the intentions of the local government. The protection project is comprehensive, which not only protects the cultural relics, but also makes the tourist attraction more valuable."

A stone that resembles a human face in Shibaozhai, Chongqing's Zhongxian county. [Photo by Ding Yu/chinadaily.com.cn]