Ancient Jun Terrace

Ancient Jun Terrace

Ancient Jun Terrace is a cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province.

Ancient Jun Terrace, also known as Xia Terrace, is now located at the old campus of Yuzhou No. 1 Senior High School. It was the site where Emperor Qi of the Xia Dynasty hosted a grand banquet for feudal lords and held the founding ceremony of the dynasty. The “Feast at Jun Terrace” is regarded as China’s first state banquet. Thereafter, it served as the venue for the enthronement of Xia emperors, central governance, and consultations with feudal lords on state affairs, becoming an important part of the Xia “imperial palace complex.” It is also referred to as “China’s first prison” because “King Jie of Xia imprisoned Tang of Shang at Jun Terrace.” The existing Ancient Jun Terrace was rebuilt in the 18th year of the Kangxi reign (1697 AD). It is a brick-and-stone structure, slightly square in shape, standing 4.4 meters high and 7.4 meters wide. Beneath the terrace is a cave that extends 6.15 meters deep. The main entrance on the southern side is 2.46 meters wide and 2.87 meters high, with an arched stone gate. The lintel is inscribed with “Ancient Jun Terrace,” and the sides of the gate feature brick-carved couplets. The upper line reads “Its fame began in the Xia era,” and the lower line reads “How many times have we climbed this terrace in nostalgia?” The pavilion hall built atop the terrace has a double-eaved, two-sloped roof in a palatial style, supported by 24 upright pillars around the perimeter. It features red pillars, yellow tiles, and latticed windows and doors. The structure is surrounded by a railing made of carved bluestone, consisting of 20 stone slabs engraved with historical allusions and scenic or cultural relics related to Emperor Qi of Xia. The overall architecture is simple yet elegant, majestic and spectacular.

Location

Gujuntai East-West Street, Yuzhou City, Xuchang, Henan Province

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Henan Province