A cluster of ancient fortresses in Shuanggu Town

A cluster of ancient fortresses in Shuanggu Town

Within Shuanggu Town lies a picturesque area dotted with clusters of ancient fortresses — an undiscovered travel gem and a fantastic destination for nature lovers.

About 5 kilometers south of Shuanggu Town stands the awe-inspiring and towering Niufeng Fortress, which rises to around 800 meters in height. From a distance, it vividly looks like a reclining ox facing east with its tail to the west. A closer look reveals that every part is there — the ox’s head, tail, udders, eyes, nose, horns, and even its tongue — all lifelike and breathtaking. To the south of Niufeng Fortress, there is a mountain that stands opposite, and at the slender ridge atop this mountain lies a huge circular cave about 5 meters in diameter, shaped like a full moon, known as “Bright Cave Mountain.” The ox’s head of Niufeng Fortress faces directly toward the cave on Bright Cave Mountain. This stunning sight has earned it the poetic name “The Rhino Gazing at the Moon,” a natural wonder that feels like a once-in-a-lifetime discovery. On Niufeng Fortress, you can also find the famous “Eight Scenic Spots of Niufeng,” which are sure to leave visitors enchanted.

To the north of Shuanggu Town lies Dadao Fortress, whose mountaintop curls upwards, resembling an upright axe blade — hence the name “Dadao Fortress” (Axe Fortress). According to historical records, the fortress was originally called “Hutou Fortress” (Tiger Head Fortress). In the late Song Dynasty, when the Mongols invaded and advanced into Sichuan, local people abandoned their homes to build fortresses, farming and defending themselves to avoid war. Dadao Fortress was constructed during this period. The fortress features bizarre rocks in all shapes and sizes — some resembling humans, horses, tigers, frogs, birds, or even rainbows... Exploring the fortress is a visual feast. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, the site is also rich with beautiful legends. If you visit, the locals will gladly share vivid tales that will captivate you without needing a drop of wine.

To the east of Shuanggu Town lies Shigang Fortress. It is said that this area was once a remote, rarely visited wilderness forest. Locals often say, “Niufeng Fortress yields grain, while Shigang Fortress yields leopards.” Opposite Shigang Fortress, on the Da’yao Mountain, there is a naturally formed stone bench known as “Bench Mountain.” This is also the hometown of Zhu Cheming, the first county magistrate of Rong County after the liberation. Before liberation, underground Communist Party members took advantage of the area’s secluded and uninhabited nature to carry out covert activities. It is said that in July 1949, a meeting of the Sichuan-South Working Committee was held here. As a result, locals also refer to Shigang Fortress as the “Sacred Land of Red Revolution.”

Shuanggu Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Rong County. Established as Shuanggu Township in 1950, it became a commune in 1958, reverted to township status in 1983, and was upgraded to a town in 1989. Located in the northwest of the county, it is 54 kilometers from the county seat, covering an area of 60.9 square kilometers with a population of 22,000. The town is accessible by road. It administers 15 village committees including Zhujiahe, Xiejia, Yujia’gou, Shuanggu, Yanjiaqiao, Fanjia, Gaotiaodeng, Wutong, Baiyunqiao, Songjiatang, Baiguo, Miaogeng, Shihé, Dashan, and Dache, as well as the Dongjie Neighborhood Committee. Local industries include building materials manufacturing, commerce, transportation, and food services. The main agricultural products are rice, corn, wheat, and tubers... More details about Shuanggu Town ++