Weixian Lixian Terrace

Weixian Lixian Terrace

Lixian Terrace is located northeast of the county town. The *Weixian County Annals* contain early historical records about this ancient terrace. It was a masterpiece built by Marquis Wen of Wei, the founding ruler of the State of Wei during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, to recruit, visit, honor, and respect virtuous scholars. Construction began in 445 BC, over 200 years before the construction of the Handan Congtai around 200 BC, and it is as renowned as the Guajian Terrace in Xuzhou and the Tongque Three Terraces (Tongque Terrace, Jinfeng Terrace, and Bingjing Terrace) in Linzhang. Unfortunately, the ancient Lixian Terrace no longer exists.

In 2008, to restore its historical appearance, the county Party committee and government decided to plan the reconstruction of Lixian Terrace based on the landform of the Zhanghe Bay and the earthen platform of the militia training base shooting range. The surrounding area was excavated to form a 142-acre lake, complementing the Xingyuan River and Zhanghe Bay, creating a beautiful new water-town landscape.

Lixian Terrace is the largest high terrace in southern Hebei Province, standing 26 meters high, 95 meters long from east to west, and 69 meters wide from north to south. On the main peak of the terrace, there are nine antique-style buildings, two pavilions, two stone tablets, and a stone sculpture of figures, symbolizing Marquis Wen of Wei paying homage to the talented Duan Ganmu. Lixian Terrace is surrounded by water on all sides: to the west is Zhanghe Bay, to the east is Xingyuan River, and to the south is Mochi Lake. Ancient architecture blends harmoniously with the surrounding natural environment, forming a unique landscape of “one lake, one terrace, one river, and one bay.”

In Mochi Lake, there is a white marble statue of the Pear Blossom Fairy, facing a statue of Du Lang, depicting a beautiful legend. Climbing onto Lixian Terrace, the seasonal scenery varies: in spring, flower seas stretch as far as the eye can see; in summer, the sky is blue and the water is clear; in autumn, the fragrance of pears and fruits fills the air; and in winter, auspicious snow covers the land in vast whiteness. Ascending the terrace to reflect on the past while taking in the present, one can trace the charm of ancient Wei and gaze upon the scenery of the Pear Country Water Town—skyscrapers rising one after another, wide roads lined with beautiful greenery, and unique landscapes coming into view, all contributing to a water-town charm that rivals that of the Jiangnan region.

Transportation Guide

Scenic Area Address: Northeast of Weixian County, Handan City, Hebei Province