The Hu'erlou Ruins

The Hu'erlou Ruins

The Hu'erlou Ruins are a cultural heritage site protected by Liaoning Province.

The Shang and Zhou ruins at Hu'erlou cover an area of over 50,000 square meters, encompassing the village and the surrounding areas around Tortoise Back Mountain to the south of the village. The surface soil is light yellow sandy silt, loose and fertile, making it a desirable place for habitation. In April 1979, a villager named Shang Xueshun was leveling land behind his house when he discovered five large bronze ritual vessels buried in a hoard, including two gui, and one each of a ding, a gui, and a zun. Research has determined that these bronze artifacts were cast during the late Shang and early Zhou dynasties and were introduced from the Central Plains. Historical records state that during the early Western Zhou dynasty, feudal lords were enfeoffed, and Prince Zhao Gongshu of King Wen was granted the title of Marquis of Yan, with the Lüshan area falling within his territory. The discovery of these five large bronze vessels, which symbolize royal authority, suggests that this area was likely located near the center of power under the rule of the Zhao clan. The unearthing of these five bronze artifacts confirms over 4,000 years of splendid history in the Yiwulvshan region and establishes Hu'erlou as one of the earliest sites of human settlement and civilization in the area.

Among them, the zun features a regular shape, with the plate adorned with delicate taotie patterns complemented by cloud-and-thunder motifs. A bell-shaped bronze chime hangs from each end of the crotch, one plain and the other decorated with a single layer of ornamentation. Its exquisite and unique craftsmanship earned it the name "Double-Bell Taotie Pattern Bronze Zun." This bronze artifact is a national first-class cultural relic and is now housed in the Jinzhou Museum, where it is considered an undisputed treasure.

A zun is an ancient chopping board used for slicing meat, typically made of wood, though bronze versions are rare. It is rectangular with legs at both ends and also served as a ritual vessel for cutting and presenting sacrificial animals during ancient ceremonies. Sacrificial animals refer to livestock offered in rituals or for consumption, known in ancient times as the “three domestic animals and six livestock.” The three domestic animals are the ox, sheep, and pig; the six livestock include the horse, ox, sheep, chicken, dog, and pig. The “Zuo Zhuan” states, “The flesh of birds and beasts does not ascend upon the zun,” because ancient sacrificial rites were considered “a matter of great importance to the state.”

Protected Area: With the point 1 meter south of the protection marker (longitude 121°37′54.1″, latitude 41°44′59.3″) as the center, extending 400 meters east, 470 meters south, 600 meters west, and 30 meters north.

Construction Control Zone: A primary construction control zone within 100 meters outside the protected area.

Hu'erlou Village: Hu'erlou Village... More information about Hu'erlou Village++

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of Cultural Heritage Protection Units in Liaoning Province