# Shiniuzhai (石牛寨)

Yueyang, Hunan Province · Central China, China · Guidebook rating: 4/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/shiniuzhai
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** Combination tickets range from ¥148 to ¥248, depending on the package
- **Opening hours:** 08:00-17:00 (year-round)
- **Time needed:** 3–5 hours
- **Address:** Xinyi Village, Shiniuzhai Town, Pingjiang County, Yueyang City
- **Getting there:** From Changsha or Yueyang, take a long-distance bus bound for Changshou or Pingjiang, and get off at Shiniu Stronghold on the way
- **Good for:** Photography, Nature

## About Shiniuzhai

The stronghold takes its name from a huge boulder on its western side that resembles a yellow ox ("shiniu" means stone ox). Shiniuzhai has steep, perilous terrain, with cliffs rising in ranks. Its scenery is unusual. The sights inside the stronghold are known for their dramatic, perilous character and can be summed up as: "One Ox, Two Turtles, Three Passes; Four Bridges, Five Villages, Six Ravines; Seven Wonders, Eight Temples; a hundred and eight cliffs of boundless scenery." Especially rare is the well-preserved ancient city wall, more than 2,000 metres long. Shiniuzhai enjoys the reputation of being the "First Stronghold Under Heaven."

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 1953. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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