China Day 11 - Shibaozhai 8/25/12
Shibaozhai, the Precious Stone Fortress, was built in the Ming Dynasty around 1750. A red pagoda with 12 stories is built against the mountain to provide a stairway to the temple located on top of the mountain. I was starting to wonder what I'd decided to do around the seventh floor as the ladders got steeper and the landings narrower. Finally made it to the top though. The fortress once sat above the city, however, it now sits lower that the city and they built a huge dike around it to keep the river water out. It's now connected with a "new" cable suspension walking bridge. Amazed that I was able to make it across the bridge and back, so climbing the stairs was pretty much anti climatic!
The other gauntlet was getting through the "flea" market. Everyone is "cheaper, you look, you like, come in mister." Fortunately, I made it through without incident and without purchasing. Pretty sure I've see most of the stuff they are selling at the Cost Plus for about the same price! It's funny to watch hw some of the people really get into the bargaining for junk and how much stuff they think they need to bring back for this person and that one. Yes, sorry folks, but this blog is about all you'll be getting from my trip to China. Hope you won't be too disappointed.
This afternoon we sail on to Fengdu and to or row the snow jade caves.
Sent from my iPad
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