Live Your Best Lives
The Five Grain Terrace, located 5 kilometers northeast of Huaiyang County , is an earthen platform over ten feet high and 10 mu wide. Legend has it that this is where the Yan Emperor Shennong taught the people how to farm and sow grains. Nearby is the Shennong Well, dug for the people to draw water for irrigating their grains. Legend has it that there are also nine wells on the terrace, the center one located beneath the base of the Shennong statue.
The legend of the nine wells at Wugu Terrace in Huaiyang is confirmed by a note in the "Records of the Grand Historian" that reads, " There is a Shennong Well in Chen . " The present-day Wugu Terrace, a one-acre platform, boasts nine temples and statues of the Yan Emperor and Shennong. This was built gradually in the 1980s , using local residents' spontaneous donations, on the ruins of part of the original terrace. Its scale is far from the historical spectacle.
Emperor Yan Shennong established his capital in Chen and completed the great transformation from hunting to agriculture. The Huanghuai Plain with Huaiyang as its center was originally the birthplace of Chinese agriculture. Later generations respected Emperor Yan as the first of the " Five Emperors " , and he deserved it.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: less than 1 hour
free
All day
Wugutai is an ancient site in Zhoukou, Henan, notable for its terraces and ruins, reflecting early agricultural practices and settlement patterns. It holds cultural and historical significance as part of the region’s heritage.
Located in Zhoukou, Henan Province. Visitors can reach Wugutai by taxi, local bus, or ride-hailing services. Walking is suitable for exploring the site’s trails and terraces.
Open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable weather. Early mornings and weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds.
Tickets are usually affordable and can be bought at the entrance. Some local tourism websites may offer online booking.
Advance booking is recommended during holidays or special events, typically 1–2 days ahead.
Approximately 1.5–3 hours, depending on interest in hiking and photography.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese. Audio guides are not commonly provided.
Enter at the main gate → follow marked trails → visit terraces and historic sites → stop at viewpoints → finish at rest areas or small souvenir spots.
Night visits and light shows are generally not available. Special tours may be offered during local festivals.
Least crowded during weekdays and outside national holidays.
Basic facilities include toilets, drinking water points, rest areas, and small souvenir shops near the entrance.
Some paths are suitable for elderly and children, but wheelchair access is limited due to uneven terrain.
Cards and mobile payments are accepted at the entrance and souvenir stalls; cash is useful for smaller vendors.
Nearby local restaurants offer regional cuisine. Cafes are limited within the immediate area.
Vegetarian options are usually available; vegan and halal options may require visiting nearby city restaurants.
Hotels and guesthouses in Zhoukou city are 10–20 minutes by car from Wugutai.
Souvenir shops sell local crafts, postcards, and small decorative items themed around the terraces and local culture.
Taxi, ride-hailing services, or local buses can take visitors to Zhoukou city center or nearby attractions. Private cars or tour buses are convenient for multi-site day trips.
