According to the local government's news release on Sep. 11, 2008, Shibaozhai (Precious Stone Fortress) will reopen to tourists on the New Year's Day of 2009.
Shibaozhai, a key national cultural protection unit, is situated in Zhongxian County in Chongqing along the Yangtze River. It is a 12-storey wooden structure built against a protruding rock. Built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this ancient architecture has cultural and architectural significance.
Due to the water storage of Three Gorges Dam Project, the water level around Shibaozhai will reach 175 metres, and part of the site was likely to be submerged. In December 2005, the local government took measures to restore and protect this cultural relics. In the past 3 years, tourists could only view the site from the ships on Yangtze river.
After 3 year's restoration, it is expected to reopen to tourists on January 1, 2009.