Sanbao Ancient Town

Sanbao Ancient Town

Sanbao Ancient Town is located 12 kilometers southeast of the county seat. According to the 1522–1566 (Jiajing era) Hongya County Annals from the Ming Dynasty: “During the Tang Dynasty, the Sānbǎo Temple was built at the market site, and the marketplace was subsequently named Sānbǎo (Three Treasures) after the temple.” The name “Sanbao” thus originated. The “Ten-Li (5-Km) Bamboo Corridor” stretching from Hekou Bridge to Baoping Village Committee forms a lush green screen with the healthy growth of moso bamboo and the winding mountain roads encircling the forested area. Baoping is actually a homophone for “Bǎopíng” (Treasure Screen). Cultural relics and historic sites include: Wenchang Temple, Erlang Temple, Sanjiang Temple, and the Tang Family Ancient Tomb Cluster. The terrain and mountain ridges around Wenchang Temple, Xianhe Temple, Erlang Temple, Bodhi Temple, Yang Tian’e, and Fahua Temple closely resemble those of Mount Emei, earning it the nickname “Second Emei Mountain.”

The beautiful Sanbao Town is situated on the banks of the Qingyi River, east of Hongya County, and is 9 kilometers from the county seat. With over 2,000 years of history and culture, it holds a unique geographical position. It was once a key water port on the route from Jiajing to Xikang, bustling with boat traffic and thronged with merchants in its heyday. Today, the town, having shed its former hustle and bustle, retains a simple and serene charm.

The beautiful Sanbao Town is located on the banks of the Qingyi River, east of Hongya County, and is 9 kilometers from the county seat. With a history spanning more than 2,000 years, its unique location made it a vital water transport hub connecting Jiajing to Xikang in the past, when boats and rafts came and went and merchants gathered in great numbers, making it extremely prosperous. Now, the town has shed its former vibrancy and noise, embracing a sense of simplicity and nature as it stands quietly amidst the fields and along the Qingyi River.

Sanbao enjoys a superior geographical environment and captivating natural scenery. It faces the Qingyi River in front and leans against Baozi Mountain in the back, with Chuanxi River and Wucun River flowing through its territory. The convergence of three rivers creates a distinctive water-town pastoral landscape and a natural wetland park. The area features crisscrossing waterbanks and open river beaches, making it an ideal spot for fishing, picnicking, and stone collecting. Baozi Mountain, with an elevation of 1,200 meters, is covered with lush green trees and shady bamboo groves. It boasts gentle waterfalls, meandering streams, poetic tea plantations veiled in mist, and diverse natural attractions such as Golden Flower Tea Garden, Seven Stars Chasing Eight Treasures, Yang Tian’e, Five-Mouth Jar, and Xiangshuitan Waterfall. It has become a top destination for hiking and exploration in Hongya.

Sanbao has a profound historical and cultural heritage, with numerous ancient relics and sites that invite exploration. It is the homeland of “Money King” Deng Tong, the alchemy site of Ge Hong, and home to the romantic legend of the Six Tomb Caves, as well as the once-thriving temples of Sanjiang and Erlang. These scattered fragments of historical culture await your discovery. Additionally, there are vibrant rural cultural festivals such as the Jinshaba Radish Culture Festival and the Sanjiang Temple Fair, offering a rich and diverse experience.