Jingzhu Dam Cliff Coffins

Jingzhu Dam Cliff Coffins

Jingzhu Dam Cliff Coffins are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Era: Warring States to Han Dynasty

Type: Ancient Tombs

Region: Wuxi County, Chongqing

Batch: 7th Batch

Jingzhu Dam Cliff Coffins are situated in Xiangshu Village, Group 2, Bailu Town, Wuxi, approximately 21 kilometers south of Wuxi County. The coffins are found along the western bank of Dongxi River, a tributary of the Daning River, on the steep cliffs of Guanmu Rock in Jingzhu Gorge, around 100–140 meters above the river surface. There are currently 24 surviving coffin structures, arranged in even-numbered groups on narrow, elongated, platform-like stone ledges on the cliffs. Overhanging rocks form natural eaves, protecting the coffins from sun and rain. Fifteen intact coffins remain, carved from single logs with rough craftsmanship. They feature full-bottom and full-top designs, with the lid and base joined by tenon-and-mortise joints at the head and foot. Their cross-sections are roughly square, with recessed heads forming barriers inside. Both ends of the lids have fist-sized round holes drilled through them, and they rest on underlying stone slabs. The largest coffin measures approximately 3 meters in length and nearly 1.5 meters in height, containing a slightly smaller coffin inside, representing a unique outer-coffin, inner-coffin structure in suspended burials. The Jingzhu Dam Cliff Coffins are among the earliest known hanging coffin burial sites, notable for their concentrated distribution and relatively high number of preserved coffins. They serve as important physical evidence for studying the cultural integration of Ba and Chu peoples and ancient minority burial customs. Their distinct regional characteristics have drawn considerable academic attention and hold significant research value.

Xiangshu Village: Xiangshu Village…… Xiangshu Village detailed information++

Further Reading:

· 7th Batch National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit