Ruizhou City Ruins

Ruizhou City Ruins

The Ruizhou City Ruins are a cultural heritage site protected by Hubei Province.

Ruizhou City Ruins

Located in Ruizhou Town, Zigui County, these are relics from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Ruizhou City was the administrative center of Zigui County during those periods. With an overall shape resembling a gourd, it was commonly known as “Gourd City,” and was built along the contour of the mountains using red sandstone blocks. The existing sections of the city wall were built in the ninth year of the Jiaqing reign (1804) and restored during the Guangxu period. Prior to the impoundment of the Three Gorges Dam, approximately 1,500 meters of the city wall, along with two city gates named “Yinghe” and “Jingxian,” were visible. After the construction of the dam, the two city gates were relocated to Fenghuang Mountain in Maoping, while most of the city was submerged underwater, with parts of the northern city wall remaining exposed above the waterline. The Ruizhou City Ruins are among the best-preserved ancient county seats in the Three Gorges region, showcasing the traditional cultural landscape of the area and holding significant academic value.

Source: Hubei Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Hubei Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units