Tianbaozhai

天宝寨

Tianbaozhai, also known as Tianbao Cave, is located in the Shunan Bamboo Sea Scenic Area in Yibin City, Sichuan Province. It is located on the cliffs to the east of Xianyu Cave on the southern edge of Bamboo Sea. The ancient village is 1,500 meters long, 20 meters high and about 10 meters wide. The top of the cave is made of rock. Most of it is half natural, and some are artificial. The cliffs above the cave are high in the air, and the cliffs below are cut into pieces, making it impossible to climb. Legend has it that this was once a mountain stronghold where the ancient "barbarian army" stationed their troops. Another legend claims that Tianbao Fort was built in 1862 during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty. It was constructed by local officials to defend against Shi Dakai's Taiping Rebellion in Sichuan. It boasts 13 ingeniously designed, sturdy stone gates, making the fortress's strategic location easy to defend and difficult to attack. In the early years of the Republic of China, banditry was rampant, and local gentry moved here to protect themselves from the thieves.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: Tianbao Village (天宝村), Cuiping District (翠屏区), Yibin City (宜宾市), Sichuan Province, China (四川省宜宾市翠屏区)

  • History: Tianbaozhai, meaning "Treasure Fortress," is an ancient fortress-style scenic area located on a hill overlooking the Jinsha River (金沙江). It was historically a strategic military post during regional conflicts and has a long-standing association with local folklore and defensive architecture.
  • Architecture & Cultural Value: The site features traditional fortress walls (寨墙), watchtowers (烽火台), and historic gates. The architecture combines both Han and local minority elements, reflecting centuries of cultural fusion. The site preserves the memory of local defense strategies and offers insights into traditional Sichuan hill settlements.
  • Other Information: The area is known for panoramic views of Yibin city, the Jinsha River, and surrounding mountains. Local legends, historic plaques, and cultural exhibitions give visitors a sense of the region’s heritage. Ideal for hiking, photography, and cultural exploration.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (8:00–18:00, 夏令时延长至18:30)

  • Ticket Price: 60 CNY per adult (成人票60元)
    Free for children under 1.2 m (1.2米以下儿童免费)

  • Best Photo Spots: Hilltop watchtower (山顶烽火台), Fort walls at sunset (夕阳下寨墙), Views over Jinsha River (金沙江全景), Bamboo groves along the trail (小径竹林)

  • Time Reference: 2–3 hours for moderate hiking and sightseeing; allow extra time for photography or cultural activities.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: Yibin Jinsha River Hotel (宜宾金沙江大酒店)
    Mid-range: Tianbao Boutique Inn (天宝精品客栈)
    Budget & Boutique: Yibin Youth Hostel (宜宾青年旅舍)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: Yibin Burning Noodles (宜宾燃面), Fish Hotpot (鱼火锅), Local Sichuan snacks (川式小吃)
    Famous Spots/Restaurants: Tianbaozhai Base Restaurant (天宝寨基地餐厅), Riverside Noodle House (江边面馆), Local street food vendors at the entrance (景区入口小吃摊)

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Local bamboo crafts (竹制工艺品), Handmade textiles (手工纺织品), Local chili sauces (本地辣椒酱), Traditional paper cuttings (剪纸), Small historic replicas of fortress gates (寨门模型)

Transportation

  • - From Yibin Railway Station (宜宾火车站): Taxi or private car ~30–40 minutes
    - From Yibin Bus Terminal (宜宾汽车客运站): Take local bus towards Cuiping District (乘坐前往翠屏区的公交车), then taxi to Tianbaozhai
    - Self-driving/private car: Scenic parking available near entrance
    - Walking: Not feasible from city center; recommend taxi or bus

Nearby Attractions

  • - Yibin Bamboo Sea (宜宾竹海), ~1.5 km, accessible by taxi or local shuttle
    - Jinsha River Scenic Spot (金沙江景区), ~1.8 km, taxi or short hike
    - Cuiping Ancient Streets (翠屏古街), ~1.2 km, walking distance or short taxi ride

Tips for Visitors

  • - Wear comfortable shoes; the site has uneven terrain and stone paths.
    - Bring water and snacks for hiking.
    - Early morning or late afternoon is best for avoiding crowds and capturing scenic photos.
    - Respect local cultural areas, especially near old temples and fortress gates.
    - Weather can be cool on the hilltop even in summer; bring a light jacket.
    - Consider hiring a local guide to explain the historical and cultural significance.

Recommended itineraries

  • Route 1: Half-Day Historical & Scenic Walk
    D1: Yibin Tianbaozhai → Hike to watchtower → Visit Jinsha River viewpoint → Return to city center
    Transportation: Taxi or private car to/from city center, walking within attraction

    Route 2: Full-Day Cultural Exploration
    D1: Morning at Tianbaozhai → Lunch at Tianbao Restaurant → Visit Cuiping Ancient Streets → Optional bamboo grove walk in nearby park
    Transportation: Taxi/private car between attractions, walking inside each site

    Route 3: Two-Day Leisure Tour
    D1: Tianbaozhai → Jinsha River Scenic Spot → Overnight at Tianbao Boutique Inn
    D2: Morning Bamboo Sea walk → Local markets and street food exploration → Return

User Reviews

By Alone with the wind |

Before entering Tianbao Village, I carefully asked the staff and got the answer: After visiting Tianbao Village directly, you don’t have to go back, you can also go back to the cable car from the other side of Tianbao Village.

So I just went straight.

I didn’t expect that “Tianbao Village” was so big, the road was so “long”, and I couldn’t find the cable car station for the return trip.

Passing through the gate of Tianbao Village, we were greeted by a vast expanse of reliefs and murals. I was very excited when I first saw them, but as we continued along the endless plank roads, the mountain walls along the road were covered with these murals and reliefs. Later, I became numb and a little accustomed to them, and even felt a little lazy to take out my camera.

I had a lot of fun playing on the plank road in Tianbao Village. It felt like playing hide-and-seek when I was a kid. But I don’t know how to describe it.

Later I looked at the introductions online and they were much better than the ones I came up with, so I just copied them:



"The scenery here is magnificent. On a clear day, the red sandstone is shimmering in the sunlight, while on a rainy or foggy day, the clouds drift and the mist swirls, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. The cave is surrounded by lush bamboo, like a natural barrier blocking the view, allowing people to walk through it without fear, despite the danger."

Along the way, I looked at all the reliefs along the way. Apart from the story of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, most of them were related to the Three Kingdoms. I also took a lot of photos and uploaded a lot of them.

The last one I kept until now is because it is a relief of "Lü Bu Playing with Diao Chan" from the Three Kingdoms period. Look at Diao Chan...

Tianbao Village is really huge. I walked around and took photos. At first, I was very excited and took photos of everything. Then I felt a little anxious and annoyed, but I didn't want to go back, so I just kept going forward.

The cliff path is winding and twisting. Standing here, I can see tourists and scenic spots on the other side of the mountain in the distance. Oh my God! I can only walk over and move forward!

By Yu Hao |

Tianbao Fortress is said to have been built in 1862 during the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty. Local officials constructed it to defend against Shi Dakai's Taiping Rebellion in Sichuan. The fortress boasts strategic terrain and is easily defended. The fortress is 1,500 meters long, 20 meters high, and approximately 10 meters wide. Its caves, often half-sided, are constructed from rock, forming a uniquely winding path. Thirteen ingeniously designed, sturdy stone gates ensure easy defense and impenetrable attack. The scenery is magnificent. On clear days, the red sandstone shimmers brilliantly in the sunlight. In rainy and foggy weather, the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful with drifting clouds and mist. Surrounding the caves, lush bamboo creates a natural barrier, blocking views and allowing visitors to navigate the perilous terrain without fear.

By Silent |

The relief of the Thirty-Six Strategies is quite unique, and the scenery is also nice.

By King Vegetable Root |

It's worth a walk. The path along the cliff is very meaningful. But I don't understand the reliefs on the mountain. Why are the idioms chosen in the stories all derogatory?

By Li travels all over the world |

Located in the Shunan Bamboo Sea Scenic Area in Yibin City, Sichuan Province, it is situated on the cliffs to the east of Xianyu Cave on the southern edge of the Bamboo Sea. It is an important attraction in the Shunan Bamboo Sea.

By Tianyi |

This has nothing to do with the Shunan Bamboo Sea! There aren't many bamboos there, and they're all man-made structures. The Shunan Bamboo Sea should be known for its natural beauty, without any unnecessary embellishments.

By Love traveling 👯 |

Walking on the stone plank road is quite tiring. Below the cliffs are open plains and hills with a very broad view. It is worth a visit.

By Rui Rui Rui sharp |

There are many attractions in this area, and it took a long time to walk.

By 0Gu Song0 |

Recommended Recommended You can go to see the scenery in general but you can go and see it on the way

By Clockwise Travel Diary |

Tianbaozhai, also known as Tianbao Cave, is a first-level scenic spot within the Shunan Bamboo Sea. It is located on a cliff face east of Xianyu Cave in the Shunan Bamboo Sea. Access is generally via Xianyu Cave, offering excellent vantage points for photographing the distant views of the bamboo sea. Tianbaozhai was built by local residents during the Daoguang reign to escape the rebellion of bandits and soldiers. The caves are composed entirely of rock, with most of the caves being half natural and others artificially carved. The cliffs above rise dramatically, while the cliffs below are sheer cliffs. Walking through them is both treacherous and offers excellent views. A recent mural depicting the Thirty-Six Stratagems is also a highlight. A walk through these cliffs offers a unique experience of the sheer cliffs of the area. After accustomed to the lush greenery of the natural landscape, this cultural landscape nestled within the mountain scenery is also a delightful experience. The route from Sea in the Sea to Fairy Lake to Tianbaozhai to Xianyu Cave is the only required hiking route in the scenic area and takes a considerable amount of time.

By Lihua stone |

Tianbao Village on the Shunan Bamboo Sea Mountain hangs on the mountainside, above the bamboo sea.

By China-TravelNote users |

It is also a place you will pass by along the way. It is also an experience to see these naturally formed big guys, hahahaha!

By Dylan |

It's dirty and messy, and feels like a large farmhouse. It is not recommended to go there.

By Traveling around the world loves to drink soda |

It is a must-see attraction and is recommended to enter from the Fairy Lake Gate.

By Health |

It's just a small stone road with nothing on it! Not recommended!

By Black fur ball |

Tianbao Village is a long corridor built along the side of a mountain. There are several Buddhist statues and wall carvings of the 36 Stratagems. The beauty in the Beauty Stratagem has her breasts blackened. Hahaha, so funny. It's a very unique road.

By Yu envies the abyss |

It is connected to Xianyu Cave. You can see this very steep corridor. The big rocks above your head feel very dangerous. After the walk, you can take the cable car to see Longyin Temple on the other side of the mountain. Because the itinerary was not long enough, I did not take the cable car.

By China-TravelNote users |

Tianbao Village and Xianyu Cave are both worth seeing. On one side is a deep abyss, and on the other side is a cliff. It is thrilling and exciting.

By Leshan Jiaqing |

"Shu is full of immortal mountains," Li Bai wrote in his poem. You'll feel the same way if you visit!

By FLH Dayao |

The beautiful scenery formed by natural rocks really makes people marvel at the magic of nature.

By Purple |

If only life could be like the first time we met...

By Stephen |

There is a cliff on one side and a deep valley on the other. Some scenes from the 36 Stratagems are carved on the wall. It feels great to run wild.

By Pig |

It integrates natural and cultural landscapes, and is magnificent, unique and spectacular.

By Henry |

There is a corridor on the mountain wall, and looking out from the corridor you can see the steep mountain cliff.

By She Dreamed 1991. |

It's definitely worth a visit. The scenery is beautiful, the place is clean, and there are lots of antiques. It's also worth a visit, and there are plenty of places to eat nearby. Very good.

By Chen Xiaomi's millet porridge |

The scenery is pretty good! There are carvings on the red rock walls!

By renjj |

It is a relatively steep section in the Bamboo Sea Scenic Area and is worth a visit.

By chognqingshaping |

In the afternoon, I happened to walk there. The light from the setting sun was reflected on a large area of hills and forests under the cliff, and the colors changed unpredictably.

By zf67 |

I walked a lot and saw a lot, and the scenery was pretty good.

By Du Chuang |

The scenery is beautiful and the view is great, it is worth a visit.

By If only as we first met |

The ancient village is built on a cliff that is more than 1,000 meters long. The plank road is winding and deep. The thirty-six strategies are engraved on the stone walls along the way. After the baptism of wind and rain, they are a little blurred. The red stones are more beautiful. You can also overlook the farmland and houses at the foot of the mountain. The scenery is still quite good.

By Orphans of the Beautiful World |

It is really beautiful when you look at it from a high place;

Beautiful scenery of green mountains and clear waters

By Shake and carry |

It's ok, original, authentic, and worth a visit

By Beautiful woman tasting tea |

The main scenery is the canyon next to it, the mountains in the distance and the bamboo sea. There are too many vendors in the Tianbaozhai scenic area, which makes people feel uncomfortable.

By jackcld |

The main scenery is the canyon next to it, the mountains in the distance and the bamboo sea.

By Qingyi Master |

This is the most impressive place in the Shunan Bamboo Sea. The stone carvings on the cliff and the terraced fields under the cliff are unique.

By LC |

Tianbao Village is a famous Buddhist resort in southern Sichuan. Built on a cliff over 1,000 meters long, the village boasts winding and secluded paths, and thirteen stone gates fortified with strong barriers. It is a majestic and steep site, easily defended but difficult to attack. Atop the Wanren Red Cliff stands a large stone carving depicting a battle of "Thirty-Six Stratagems," a blend of natural and cultural landscapes. Stretching for one kilometer, it is the longest stone carving mural complex in China and the most prestigious attraction in the Southern Sichuan Bamboo Sea.

By jordson24 |

The whole walk takes a long time, with some uphill climbs, but the scenery is really nice.

By Pig's Fantasy |

A relatively primitive place to live in the middle of the mountain, quite local characteristics

By swpulyh |

All the attractions in Shunan Bamboo Sea, including Tianbao Village, are suitable for visiting in summer.

By Forget the worries of floating clouds |

The scenery is really nice! It's a pity that it was foggy that day and I couldn't see far

By Xiao Min, run fast |

I think this place is quite special. I don’t know how it was built in the past. It’s magical.

By Love Memories |

Inside are some modern stone carvings such as the Thirty-Six Stratagems, which are not as good as the one in Xianyudong. You can go back to the public toilet and go up the stairs next to it. This is a shortcut, otherwise you will have to walk an extra 40 minutes on the mountain road.

By impression. |

Coming out of the Grand Canyon, I honestly couldn't figure out which way to go even after looking at the guide map. By the end of the tour, I still couldn't figure out where Tianbao Village and Xianyu Cave were... So embarrassing. But the engineering on those cliffs is quite impressive, truly reflecting the wisdom of the ancient Chinese people.

By StHs |

After the rain, come here for a visit and enjoy the beautiful scenery of bamboo sea. There is no other way.

By Onion 22 |

Very historic ancient village, simple folk customs, warm hospitality, unique architecture, not bad

By It was a coincidence that I met Li |

The mountain road in Tianbao Village is quite steep and the terrain is quite dangerous. The sight is very good. The top of the mountain is quite high and you can overlook the bamboo sea. The environment is quite good.

By BlueGood |

Just went here yesterday, it was fun and everyone had a great time

By The bag is filled with mood |

Highly recommended! This is the hardware and core attraction of Shunan Bamboo Sea! It is a scenic spot that combines history, Buddhism and nature. It is a road carved on the cliff, with many carvings on the cliff. There is also Buddhist history. There is also a stone cave tunnel.

By Cai Cai Cai is still clean. |

The view from a distance is very nice, but the road is indeed difficult to walk

By Heavy rain causes flooding |

Sichuan, Yibin, Changning, Southern Shunan Bamboo Sea, Tianbaozhai.

Inside the village, there is the Tianbao Ancient Plank Road carved on the cliffs, which is 1.5 kilometers long.

By China-TravelNote users |

The terrain is quite steep, no wonder it was the residence of the mountain king in the past. The scenery is very nice.

By Tan Qian Muhan |

We just passed by and only realized where we were when we saw Tianbaozhai written on a doorway. So I felt that the whole attraction was quite insignificant...

By China-TravelNote users |

It's a very old village, in harmony with nature. It feels like you can forget about time when living here.

By Crystal World |

The scenery here is magnificent. On a sunny day, the red sandstone is shining brightly under the sunlight, creating a magnificent view.

By Believe in yourself |

The scenery is beautiful, and the road is carved out of the cliffs, which is very thrilling.

By I thought it was Chen |

You can overlook the bamboo sea from Tianbao Village, it is very high~~

By Kunming Taoist priests |

Tianbao Village is located in the middle of Danxia Rock, about thirty meters from the top and one hundred meters from the bottom. There is only one small path in front and one in the back, and there are several checkpoints in the middle that can be guarded by one person and ten thousand men cannot pass through. This village is easy to defend but difficult to attack (of course, this refers to the weapons before the early days of liberation), so it used to be a bandit village.

The best time to visit Tianbao Village is before 10 a.m. When there is dew at the foot of the mountain, the scenery of the farmhouses at the foot of the mountain through the gaps in the dew is like a fairyland.

By O(∩_∩)Oyiyi |

This place is very good. It is tiring to walk up and down the mountain, but it is worth it.

By Fisheye Image |

It is a Danxia landform landscape with temples, waterfalls and beautiful scenery.

By Sunlight |

Tianbaozhai is located in the Bamboo Sea of Southern Sichuan. According to legend, it was built in 1862 during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty. The local government built it to defend against Shi Dakai's Taiping Army from entering Sichuan. The terrain is difficult to attack and easy to defend.

By Sugar Kid |

If you are in good health, there is no need to sit on a sedan chair or something. It is more interesting to climb and browse by yourself. Just take a break when you are tired. 2 hours is enough.

By Enlain, end of August |

My legs are almost broken from walking, but the view from the top is very beautiful. You don’t need to burn incense or donate money on the mountain. The monks there are just decorations. They are all married and have children, and they all have 5s phones.

By Maimang Han Yue |

Going up from Fairy Lake, you can see Tianbao Village built on the cliff. The terrain is high and dangerous, and the view is wide.

By Fangfei |

The stronghold, built on a rock halfway up the cliff, is about a thousand meters long, and images of the 36 strategies are carved on the cliff.

By Zhang Aliang |

The most extensive attractions in the bamboo sea are Tianbao Village and Xianyu Cave. A visit to these two takes about two hours. Entering the bamboo forest and gazing along the path, countless bamboos stand tall in the open fields, each one pointing in the same direction. I have to crane my head to see them all. The sky is cluttered by the dense mass of leaves and branches. On this overcast day, all I can say is that there is only a sea of clouds and bamboo, but the bamboo dominates the view.

By Son of the Wind |

Tianbao Village offers a breathtakingly dangerous scenery. Passing by Xianyu Cave, a former path along the steep cliffs has been reclaimed as a sightseeing path, featuring the Thirty-Six Stratagems statues. If you're afraid of heights, you might find this a bit unsettling.

By yoyo |

I heard that Tianbao Village was a bandit’s den in the past. We walked along the road carved out on the cliff from Fairy Lake and felt the momentum of a single man blocking a thousand. Combined with the thick fog, it felt like heaven on earth.

By The rain has stopped |

After passing the gate, you have to go forward. The Hundred Turtle Scene is spectacular! It is worth seeing. It would be better if some historical explanations were added.

By Bobo is my brother |

The most distinctive attractions in Shunan Bamboo Sea are temples and stone carvings that will dazzle you.

By Zhang Yilu |

Visiting the Shunan Bamboo Sea in the summer is a great option. If you have time, you can stay in a farmhouse for a few days. It's quiet, the air is fresh, and there's a light mist in the mornings.

By Zengxvemei |

Looking down from a high place, the scenery is quite good, and the fog is even more beautiful.

By Ling |

I've also uploaded some photos of Tianbao Village in the Shunan Bamboo Sea, but I'd like to state that they were taken by a senior photography enthusiast I know, who has already published a book. I simply thought the photos were beautiful and wanted to help promote them, not for any other purpose.

By taotie |

Tianbaozhai was built in the late Qing Dynasty. It has unique terrain and beautiful scenery. The history related to the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom adds a mysterious side to it!

By taotie |

Tianbaozhai was built in the late Qing Dynasty and stands on a 1,000-meter cliff. It is easy to attack and defend, with dangerous terrain and majestic momentum. It is the best attraction in the bamboo sea.


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