Golden Phoenix Terrace

Golden Phoenix Terrace

Golden Phoenix Terrace

Located to the west of Santai Village, it was originally named Golden Tiger Terrace and is the southernmost of the Three Terraces. It was built by Cao Cao in the 18th year of the Jian’an era during the Eastern Han Dynasty (213 AD). Historical records state that the terrace was eight zhang tall and had 135 rooms. The existing rammed earth ruins of Golden Phoenix Terrace are relatively well-preserved, measuring 122 meters in length from north to south, 70 meters in width from east to west, and 12 meters in height. On the southern side of the terrace stands the Wenchang Pavilion, built in the eighth year of the Shunzhi era during the Qing Dynasty. The pavilion is adorned with a plaque inscribed with the name “Golden Phoenix Terrace.” In front of the pavilion are a pair of stone carved chi dragons from the Northern Dynasties, featuring simple yet classic designs and exquisitely fine carvings. Behind the pavilion, the stele pavilion houses numerous inscribed tablets composed by celebrated individuals, among which is the Yuan Dynasty’s “Yezhen Golden Phoenix Terrace Dongqingguan Founding Stele.” The top of the stele is carved with six intertwined dragons, presenting an elegant and unique aesthetic with significant artistic value. To the north of the stele pavilion, there are 53 stone steps. Climbing up these steps leads visitors to the top of Golden Phoenix Terrace. At the top, there is currently a cultural relics exhibition room displaying precious artifacts unearthed from Yecheng and its surrounding areas. On the western side of the stone steps, there is an underground passage known as Cao Cao’s Hidden Troops Cave, which connects to Jiangwu City in Cixian County.