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Atlas Obscura - Latest • Jan. 12, 2026, 2:51 a.m.
Shibaozhai in Zhong County, China
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Chinese mythology tells of how the goddess Nuwa mended the sky using five-colored stones after it suddenly collapsed. According to legend, the hill of Shibaozhai ("Precious Stone Fortress") was originally one of those stones accidentally dropped by Nuwa.
As such, this hill has been a sacred place of worship for centuries. Originally only accessed by being lifted up on chains, a twelve-story pagoda was constructed in the 18th century.
The vermillion structure currently seen today dates from the early 19th century. At 56 meters tall, it is among the tallest wooden pagodas in China, yet was built without a single nail.
As such, this hill has been a sacred place of worship for centuries. Originally only accessed by being lifted up on chains, a twelve-story pagoda was constructed in the 18th century.
The vermillion structure currently seen today dates from the early 19th century. At 56 meters tall, it is among the tallest wooden pagodas in China, yet was built without a single nail.
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