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The Zaolvtai Ruins are located southeast of the ancient county seat, 25 kilometers southwest of Yongcheng City. Legend has it that Xiao He, the Prime Minister of the Western Han Dynasty, drafted laws here, hence the name. The site currently houses a circular mound, approximately 7 meters high, 54 meters long from north to south , and 34 meters wide at its base. The cultural deposits are 8 to 9 meters thick . The upper layer contains remains from the Shang Dynasty, while the lower layer represents remains from the Henan Longshan Culture. It is now a provincially protected key cultural relic site.
Because Xiao He, the prime minister of the Western Han Dynasty, wrote the laws for Emperor Gaozu of Han on this platform, it is known as the " Zaolu Terrace . " Experts believe Xiao He drafted the laws for Emperor Gaozu of Han here, creating the Nine Chapters of the Han Code. The Nine Chapters of the Han Code is considered the earliest comprehensive legal system in China and the world.
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The Yongcheng Zaolvtai Ruins are an important archaeological site in Henan, reflecting the early urbanization and cultural development of ancient China. The site provides insights into ancient architecture, settlement patterns, and local history.
The ruins are located in Yongcheng, Shangqiu, Henan. Visitors can reach the site via local buses, taxis, or rideshare services. Walking around the designated paths inside the site is recommended.
The site is generally open during daylight hours, approximately 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit for comfortable weather and scenic views.
The entrance fee is modest and can typically be purchased onsite at the ticket booth. Online ticketing may be available through local tourism websites.
Advance booking is generally not required unless visiting with a large group or during peak tourist season.
1–2 hours are sufficient to explore the main ruins, walk the trails, and visit any exhibitions.
Guided tours may be available, often in Chinese. Audio guides or printed materials may provide basic information in English, but availability is limited.
Start at the visitor center, follow the main paths through the excavation zones, visit the exhibition hall, and finish with observation platforms for a complete overview.
Night visits and light shows are generally not available. Special educational tours may be scheduled during school or cultural events.
The site is relatively quiet. Weekdays and non-holiday periods are the least crowded times to visit.
Basic facilities include restrooms, drinking water stations, shaded rest areas, and a small souvenir shop at the entrance.
Paths are mostly flat but may include some uneven surfaces. Elderly and children can access most areas, but mobility-impaired visitors may need assistance.
Cash is commonly accepted; some ticket booths and shops may accept mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Nearby Yongcheng town has local restaurants offering Chinese cuisine. Small cafes and food stalls may be found near the site entrance.
Vegetarian options are generally available in local restaurants. Vegan and halal options may be limited, so it is advisable to check in advance.
Several hotels and guesthouses in Yongcheng town are within a short taxi or bus ride from the ruins.
Nearby attractions include Shangqiu city historic sites, temples, and local cultural museums, suitable for combining with a visit to the ruins.
Souvenir shops at the entrance sell local handicrafts, postcards, and small replicas of artifacts found at the site.
Taxis, buses, and rideshare services are convenient for continuing to nearby towns or attractions in Shangqiu.
