Yunyang Dengyun Steps

　　    The Yunyang Dengyun Steps were first built in March 1999. The project was constructed in four phases and completed by the end of 2008, with a total investment of nearly 100 million yuan. The stairway stretches 1,238 meters in length and consists of 1,519 steps. Above Qunyi Square, the stairway extends over 600 meters in length with a width of 25 meters, and green belts on both sides each 5 meters wide. Below Qunyi Square, the stairway is 20 meters wide with a 14-meter-wide pathway, and green belts on both sides each 3 meters wide.

　　    Among the many stairways in Yunyang, the most magnificent and spectacular is the Dengyun Steps. This massive, giant “人”-shaped stone staircase starts from Binjiang Avenue along the Yangtze River, climbs up the slope, cuts through the city center, and ends at the highest point of the new county town — Panshi City. The stairway is over 1,400 meters long, 30 meters wide, and features a vertical drop of more than 200 meters. Its grand scale, unique design, and imposing momentum are truly rare among urban structures, earning it the well-deserved title of “The First Stairway on the Yangtze River.”

　　    Viewed from Zhang Fei Temple on the southern bank of the Yangtze River across the river, the Dengyun Steps, together with the central Qunyi Square and the Panshi City at the top, resemble a colossal reclining Buddha. Starting from the riverside are two stairways, respectively named Qinglong (Green Dragon) Steps and Feifeng (Flying Phoenix) Steps, which look like the Buddha’s two massive legs. The dragon and phoenix converge at Qunyi Square — this two-tiered circular plaza spanning over 16,000 square meters resembles the Buddha’s large belly. After converging at Qunyi Square, the two stairways merge into one and continue upward toward Panshi City, forming the neck of the Buddha. Panshi City naturally represents the head of the Buddha. With its feet on the Yangtze River and head touching the blue sky, the reclining Buddha exudes a majestic aura. Looking upward, Panshi City towers into the clouds, giving a real sense of ascending into the heavens.

　　    The stone used for the Dengyun Steps is all specially selected Qinghua (blue-and-white) stone unique to the Three Gorges Reservoir area, meticulously hand-carved and laid by local traditional craftsmen. Each step embodies the painstaking effort of the artisans. The 1,519 steps, shaped like a giant upright “人” character, hang down from the towering Panshi City all the way to the banks of the Yangtze River, seemingly piercing through the clouds. The wide green belts on both sides of the stairway, adorned with beautiful patterns of red flowers and green leaves, resemble two exquisite ribbons that accompany the stairway all the way to the horizon, blending with the clouds and rosy clouds in the sky.

　　    Address: Binjiang Avenue, Yunyang County, Chongqing City