Zhongxian Travel Guide: The Loyal City and the Bonsai of the Yangtze

1.Introduction: The City of Loyalty and Righteousness Zhongxian, a glistening pearl embedded in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, unfolds like a flowing landscape painting in the central part of Chongqing Municipality. Bordering Wanzhou to the east, Shizhu to the south, Dianjiang and Fengdu to the west, and Liangping to the north, it is a unique riverside city in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, often described as having "half the city in the mountains, and half the city in the lakes."

2.The history of: Zhongxian is profound and storied, boasting over 2,300 years of recorded history. It was historically known as Linjiang and Zhongzhou. The name "Zhong" (Loyalty) was bestowed by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty in 634 AD to commemorate the heroic generals Ba Manzi, who "sacrificed his head to save the city," and Yan Yan, who "would rather be beheaded than surrender." Thus, it became the only prefecture or county in Chinese history named solely after the virtue of loyalty. This profound "Zhong Culture" is the soul of the city, coexisting with the vibrant Ba culture.

3.Geographical Landscape: The Heart of the Three Gorges Zhongxian lies in the heartland of the Three Gorges Reservoir area, with the golden waterway of the Yangtze River traversing 88 kilometers through its territory. Following the impoundment of the Three Gorges Dam, the water level rose, transforming the landscape into a stunning vista of "a city within mountains, and water within the city." The county seat is built along the river, backed by rolling hills, creating a harmonious interplay between the urban skyline and the vast emerald river. The climate here is a subtropical southeast monsoon climate, characterized by four distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, and mild temperatures. This unique ecology has given birth to the Huanghua Island National Wetland Park, located in the center of the Yangtze River near the county seat. It is one of the best-preserved river islands in the reservoir area, floating like a green jade on the river surface, showcasing the ecological beauty of the Mother River.

4.Shibaozhai: The Bonsai of the Yangtze When discussing Zhongxian, one cannot overlook the world-renowned Shibaozhai. Known as the "Pearl on the River" and listed as one of the "Eight Strange Structures of the World," Shibaozhai is located on Yuyin Mountain on the north bank of the Yangtze River in Shibao Town. Originally, this site was a solitary rock standing abruptly by the river. Legend has it that it was a colorful stone left behind by the goddess Nuwa when she mended the sky, hence the name "Shibao" (Stone Treasure). The architectural craftsmanship of Shibaozhai is nothing short of miraculous. Built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty and expanded in the Qing Dynasty, craftsmen utilized the steep cliffs of Yuyin Mountain to construct a twelve-story red wooden pavilion that reaches a height of 56 meters. Remarkably, the original structure was built without the use of a single iron nail, relying entirely on traditional mortise and tenon joints to cling to the cliff face. Following the completion of the Three Gorges Dam, the rising water levels would have submerged the base of the mountain. To protect this national treasure, a massive concrete cofferdam was constructed around it. Today, Shibaozhai stands surrounded by water on all four sides, appearing from a distance like a gigantic, exquisite bonsai floating on the Yangtze River. Visitors can climb the creaking wooden stairs to the top of the pagoda to visit the Tianzi Palace and enjoy a panoramic view of the mighty river flowing eastward.

5.Heritage of Han Que: A Living History Book Zhongxian is also celebrated as the "Hometown of Han Que in China." A "Que" is a type of freestanding, ceremonial gate tower used in ancient Chinese architecture, serving as a symbol of status and a repository of history. They are considered "living fossils" for studying the history, culture, architecture, and art of the Han Dynasty. Zhongxian is home to five existing Han Que, accounting for one-seventh of all surviving Han Que in China. Among them, the Dingfang Que and Wuming Que are particularly well-preserved. These stone towers feature intricate carvings of vermilion birds, white tigers, and daily life scenes from two thousand years ago. They stand as silent witnesses to the aesthetic tastes and social hierarchy of ancient times. Additionally, the Zhongba Site, with its continuous cultural layers spanning thousands of years, is hailed as a "living underground museum," proving the uninterrupted civilization of this region.

6.Bai Juyi and Cultural Legacy: The cultural depth of Zhongxian is further enriched by the legacy of the great Tang Dynasty poet, Bai Juyi. He once served as the Governor of Zhongzhou (Zhongxian). During his tenure, he planted flowers, composed poems, and interacted with the local people, leaving behind a rich literary heritage. He famously wrote about the arduous terrain and the beauty of the local azaleas. To commemorate him, the Bai Gong Ci (Temple of Duke Bai) was built, serving as a cultural sanctuary where visitors can trace the footsteps of this literary giant. The spirit of poetry continues to flow through the city, blending with the local folk customs such as the "Dragon Boat Song," which showcases the unique charm of the Ba-Yu culture.

7.Modern Vitality: The Citrus Capital Beyond its ancient history, modern Zhongxian is vibrant and green. It is famous as the "Citrus City of China." The county boasts hundreds of thousands of acres of citrus orchards. In spring, the air is filled with the intoxicating fragrance of orange blossoms; in autumn and winter, the trees are laden with golden fruit. This "City of Orange" is not just about agriculture; it has developed a complete industrial chain, producing the famous "Paisenbai" (Piecen) orange juice, one of the few not-from-concentrate (NFC) orange juices produced in China. Visitors can experience the joy of fruit picking and witness the modern processing facilities, immersing themselves in the sweet atmosphere of the harvest.

Conclusion Zhongxian is a city that requires a slow pace to truly appreciate. It lacks the frenetic noise of a metropolis but possesses the majestic momentum of the great river. It holds the silent stories of ancient wooden pagodas and stone towers, while also breathing the fresh scent of orange groves. Whether you are climbing Shibaozhai to marvel at architectural ingenuity, exploring the "Loyalty" spirit that defines its name, or simply sitting by the Yangtze tasting the local fermented bean curd, Zhongxian offers a travel experience that is serene, culturally profound, and deeply moving. It is a tranquil harbor in the Three Gorges, waiting for every traveler to drop anchor.