Zhoukou Laojun Terrace

　　Laojun Terrace is situated in the northeast corner of Luyi County and was constructed to commemorate Laozi. The Lu Yi County Annals from the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty state: “In the second year of the Tianbao era (734 AD), the Taiqing Altar was built. The Wenchang Palace was recorded as being on the terrace.” The terrace is 13 meters high and is an ancient high-altar-shaped structure built from large ancient bricks, consisting of 14 flat surfaces, resembling a cylindrical shape with edges. The top area covers 765 square meters, while the base is slightly larger. Legend has it that Laozi became immortal through Taoist practice and ascended to heaven from this spot, hence the name “Ascension Terrace.”

　　There are 32 layers of bluestone steps at the mountain gate, plus one more layer in front of the main hall, totaling exactly 33 steps, which corresponds to the legend of Laozi ascending 33 layers of the blue sky. Upon entering the mountain gate of Laojun Terrace, you will find the main hall, which is three bays wide and features a flush gable roof in the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. There are also side chambers on the western side of the hall. The terrace is adorned with 13 lush, green cypress trees, where a cool breeze blows year-round, accompanied by birdsong. Below the terrace, shimmering water and misty vapors create a serene lake surrounded by winding waters, offering a pleasant landscape.

　　About a li to the south along the central axis, extending outward from the mountain gate, there are, in sequence, Wangxian Bridge, Mingdao Palace, Wenchang Palace, Octagonal Pavilion, Youlong Embankment Archway, and the Ancestral Archway of All Religions.

　　Near the archway are two stone tablets inscribed with “Hometown of Laozi” and “Site Where Confucius Sought Etiquette Teachings.” The archway bears the inscription “Ancient Land Forever Linked to Qurenli” at the bottom and “Close to the High Heavens, Near Taiqing Palace” at the top. The lintel is engraved with “Ancestral Archway of All Religions,” featuring solemn, vigorous, and ancient-style calligraphy.

　　Due to the lofty virtue of Laozi, Ascension Terrace has attracted countless visitors throughout history. Tang Gaozu Li Yuan, Tang Gaozong Li Zhi, Tang Xuanzong Li Longji, Song Zhenzong Zhao Heng, as well as great literary figures such as Su Dongpo and Ouyang Xiu, all came here either to worship their ancestors or to admire the scenery, leaving behind timeless poems and masterpieces.