Zhao Lou Han Terrace Ruins

Zhao Lou Han Terrace Ruins

The Zhao Lou Han Terrace Ruins are a protected cultural heritage site of Henan Province.

The Zhao Lou Han Terrace Ruins are located approximately 17 kilometers south of Queshan County and about 600 meters north of Zhao Lou Village. The site is situated on an elevated plateau, about 5 meters above the surrounding ground level. It is surrounded by flat terrain, with a highway to the east. The northeast side of the ruins is slightly higher, while the southwest side is lower, giving it a tortoise-shell shape. The site stretches 198 meters from east to west and 201 meters from north to south, covering an area of about 39,800 square meters. The site is currently well-preserved.

According to investigations and research conducted by cultural relics experts, the distribution of relics across the site is relatively even, with a cultural layer thickness of 4.8 meters. The top 30 centimeters consist of disturbed soil, beneath which are layers of ash-gray soil and red-fired earth. Artifacts primarily include polished black pottery, followed by gray pottery, along with some red pottery. Many pottery fragments feature corded patterns. Major items found include li (tripod cauldrons), dou (stemmed bowls), bowls, and ding (tripod vessels). Some ding tripod feet exhibit finger-whorl patterns. Additionally, polished stone knives and willow-leaf-shaped arrowheads have been discovered. On the eastern slope of the site, there is an unfinished brick kiln. A cache site was found in the kiln wall, and numerous exposed snail shells were observed on the kiln wall surface.

Based on the shapes of the artifacts, the site dates from the late Longshan Culture period through the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The discovery of this site provides important material for the study of Shang and Zhou cultures in southern Henan.

Zhang Xinyi

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Protected Cultural Heritage Sites of Henan Province