Unveiling Langya Terrace from the Qin dynasty

Langya Terrace, located in the southwestern part of Qingdao West Coast New Area, got its name from the geographical features of Langya Mountain, which is located on the coast and resembles a terrace. Its origins can be traced back to the Records of the Grand Historian.

Emperor Qin Shihuang (259-210 BC) visited Langya in 219 BC. He relocated 30,000 households to the foot of the Langya Mountain and reconstructed the Langya Terrace, which has been famous for generations.

The rubbings of Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) inscriptions on the Langya Terrace depict Emperor Qin Shihuang's achievements in unifying the country by wiping out the other six states. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_7abec6fbdfe5]

In 2013, the Langya Terrace was declared a key national cultural relic protection unit. The terrace has an elevation of 183 meters and consists of terrace foundations from the Qin (221-206 BC) and Han (206 BC-AD 220) dynasties. Remnants such as rammed earth structures, pottery pipes, ancient harbors and kiln sites are also present.

An important archaeological discovery is the well-preserved stone ground drain found at the top of the Langya Terrace. Experts speculate that the site was a ceremonial building for the royal family during the Qin and Han periods.

The excavation of the Langya Terrace provides tangible evidence for exploring the development of sacrificial systems from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC) to the Qin and Han dynasties.

The exhibition hall at the Langya Terrace showcases verses and poems written by famous figures throughout history in various scripts. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_7abec6fbdfe5]