The Greater and Lesser Stone Cities

The Greater and Lesser Stone Cities

The Tianzi City in Wanzhou and the Mopan Fort are collectively known as the Greater and Lesser Stone Cities. Tianzi City in Wanzhou is an ancient fortress that rises abruptly from the ground, with sheer cliffs on all sides and only one fortified gate as the entrance. It is originally called Tiansheng City. Legend has it that during the Three Kingdoms period, Liu Bei, the emperor of Shu, stationed his troops here while campaigning against Wu, hence it is also known as Tianzi City (Emperor’s City). It is one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Wanzhou.” Mopan Fort is situated in the new urban area of Yunyang County. Originally named Panshi City, it is also referred to as the Lesser Stone City or Tiansheng City. Built during the Southern Song Dynasty, Mopan Fort has been a strategic military stronghold throughout history due to its precipitous terrain.