Chongqing Dingfang Twin Watchtowers

　　Introduction    Located in front of the King Ba Temple outside the east gate of Zhong County, these were built in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, over 1,800 years ago, and are the best-preserved Han Dynasty watchtowers in China. The Dingfang Twin Watchtowers are shrine-style watchtowers, about 7 meters high, with the two towers standing about 2 meters apart on the east and west sides. The towers feature double-eaved roofs, with the two levels built from layers of double stones, and are surrounded by relief carvings. The body of the towers is covered with carvings of exotic birds and beasts, historical scenes, and auspicious cloud patterns. The designs are symmetrical but differ in content. The palace-style roofs also feature vivid carvings, and the ridge of the left tower is topped with a large round ancient stupa.

　　 Zhong County, Chongqing