Shibaozhai Temple
Located in the center of the Yangtze River is Shibaozhai. The stone mountains jurring vertically out of the river is an excursion on most Yangtze River Cruises. The name "Shibaozhai" means "Precious Stone Fortress". It got its name from a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) fortress built at the site.
On top of the mountains is a temple and the Purple Rain Pavilion. The three storey hall is dedicated to Manjusri. Originally, the temple could only be reached by a series of footholds and a chain in the vertical cliff face. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), a twelve-storey red pavilion was built against the cliff face as a stairway to the top of the cliff. Inside the pavilion are stele's on each floor and each floor is narrower than the previous. The views from the pavilion are stunning.
