The Xuecheng Ruins

　　  The Xuecheng Ruins are the site of the capital city of the ancient State of Xue, a feudal state during the Eastern Zhou period. Historical records about the State of Xue date back to very early times. The Zuo Zhuan · Duke Ding’s First Year records that the State of Xue existed as early as the Xia and Shang dynasties. The Du Shi Fang Yu Ji Yao states that during the Warring States period, the State of Qi conquered the State of Xue and enfeoffed Tian Ying in Xue. During the Qin and Han dynasties, a county was established here. In recent years, the Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology has conducted archaeological excavations at the site, revealing the general layout of the ancient city ruins.

　　  The city site is roughly square-shaped with an irregular outline, with a perimeter of 10,615 meters. The city walls undulate gently and rise 4 to 7 meters above the ground. The terrain within the city is very flat, and the palace ruins are located right in the center. At the northeast corner of the city stand two large earthen mounds, traditionally believed to be the tombs of Lord Mengchang and his father Tian Ying from the Warring States period. In the past, bronze artifacts from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods were often unearthed around the city site. In addition, the remains of an iron smelting workshop from the Han dynasty have also been discovered. (National Cultural Heritage Administration)