Xuanyuan Terrace

Xuanyuan Terrace

Introduction: Located 7.5 kilometers northeast of Pinggu District, on Yuzishan Mountain. The mountain features a large burial mound, traditionally believed to be the tomb of the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi), commonly known as Xuanyuan Terrace. It stands backed by a range of peaks to the north, faces Pan Mountain to the south, neighbors the ancient site of Pinggu from the Western Han Dynasty to the west, and overlooks Jinhai Lake to the east. Historical records indicate that the Xuanyuan Terrace in Shandongzhuang was first built between the Warring States and Western Han periods. Though it has weathered many changes, it still stands. The main hall enshrines the deities of the Three Sovereigns: Huangdi, Fuxi, and Shennong. Ancient stone tablets bear the poem "Xuanyuan Terrace" by Chen Zi'ang, testifying to the site's authenticity. Every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the Xuanyuan Temple Fair is held, drawing crowds of worshippers who come to offer incense and pay tribute. Various folk performance troupes also gather to showcase their talents on the mountain. The rebuilt Xuanyuan Terrace follows a traditional Chinese architectural style and is situated atop the mountain. Ascending the granite steps, visitors are greeted by a grand memorial archway flanked by spread-eagle vermilion birds and majestic standing lions. Inside the archway lie stone tablet remnants inscribed with Chen Zi’ang’s poem "Xuanyuan Terrace," composed during his northern military campaign in the early Tang Dynasty, as well as a white marble stele commemorating the reconstruction of Xuanyuan Temple. The main hall, reconstructed in the Han Dynasty style with a hip-and-gable roof, features red pillars along the corridor and striking brackets. At the center of the hall stands a painted statue of the Yellow Emperor, with a large golden plaque inscribed with the Chinese seal script characters for “Progenitor of Civilization” hanging above. On either side are statues of Fuxi and Shennong. Four calligraphy-style couplets in the form of silk scripts stand upright against the pillars. Transportation: Take bus 918 from Dongzhimen to Pinggu, then transfer to a minibus.

Pinggu, Pinggu