Baota Hill (Baota shan), to the southeast of the river junction beside the riverbank, receives its name from the Bao Pagoda (Bao ta) on its summit. This nine-story pagoda, built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), is 44m in height and, in good weather, if you climb to the top storey you will get a bird’s eye view of the entire town. It is this hill, along with its pagoda peak, that has become the symbol of the city (and even of Red China).

The highlight here, besides the views from the pagoda, is a large Iron Bell that can be found not far from the pagoda. The bell, that was first cast in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), was to come in use during the 1930s and 40s when it was used by the communists both as a chiming clock and an alarm siren for the constantly wary red troops. There is also a Stele Forest upon the slopes of the hill, whose steles contain upon their surfaces an interesting selection of Chinese calligraphy.

How to get there: From the railway station, take either bus No.1 or No.3. Alternatively you can cross a bridge near to this prominent sight and head on foot from there.
Opening hours: 8am-5pm, daily.
Cost: RMB20 for the park and additional RMB10 to climb the pagoda.