Shouchan Terrace and Stele

The Shouchan Terrace and Stele stand at Xiazhuang beside the G240 road in Linying County, Luohe, in Henan province, China. The pair form a national key cultural relic and record one of the pivotal moments of Chinese history: the abdication in 220 AD of the last Han emperor, Emperor Xian, to Cao Pi, who founded the Cao Wei state. The terrace marks where the ceremony of handing over the throne is traditionally said to have taken place, and the stele carries an inscription commemorating the event. A neighbouring monument, the Sanjue Stele, stands nearby and adds to the interest for visitors who follow the Three Kingdoms period. The site is outdoors, with hours not published and ticket price not confirmed, so asking on arrival is sensible. Visitors see a raised earthen or stone platform and the stone tablet, together with any interpretive panels, which are in Chinese. The experience is quiet and historical rather than spectacular, and is best suited to those interested in the Han-Wei transition and the Three Kingdoms story, which is popular in China through novels and television. A visit takes about 45 minutes, including the Sanjue Stele. Daylight in spring or autumn is the best time, as the exposed location offers little shelter in summer heat or winter wind. Crowds are small at any time, although coach groups interested in Three Kingdoms heritage occasionally arrive. Photographs work best in low angled light that picks out the carved characters. The site is about 35 km north-west of the Luohe city centre, and a taxi or DiDi costs roughly ¥80-120. It can be combined with Linying County sites such as Nanjie Village and Xiaoshang Bridge, though the distances between them make a private car the most flexible choice.