One of the highlights of the Yangtze cruise is a visit to the Shibaozhai pagoda. From the dock this magnificent structure majestically stands above its surroundings.

The pagoda was built against a rock, so only three walls were man-made. One of the first you will notice about this pagoda is that its windows are round, which is unique for a pagoda. Also, the temple walls are painted in red with colorful decorations.

The pagoda has 12 storeys, of which only 3 are higher the rock ifself while the remaining are built against it. The entrance gate (see photo) is truly a masterpiece in architecture, style and colors. This is a close-up of the top part of the gate.

When the Three Gorges Dam is completed, the water level will reach the lower parts of the temple. Inside the pagoda there is marking of where the future water level will be. There are plans to rebuild the pagoda on higher grounds or to build a wall around the base of the pagoda to protect it against the rising water level.