The history of Yuwang Terrace (禹王台) in Kaifeng City can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period when the famous musician Shi Kuang from the state of Jin played music here, hence the name “Chui Tai” (Flute Terrace). In the early Western Han Dynasty, Emperor Wen of Han conferred the title of Prince of Liang upon his second son, Liu Wu, who was fond of poetry, music, and leisure activities with literati. As a result, the Chui Tai was expanded, and palaces and pavilions were built atop it, along with the planting of precious flowers and trees, creating a luxurious garden known as Liang Garden, also called Rabbit Garden. However, Liang Garden fell into disrepair due to warfare.
During the Ming Dynasty, Yuwang Terrace underwent significant renovations. To commemorate the achievements of Yu the Great in flood control, people built the Yuwang Temple on the terrace, renaming the Chui Tai to Yuwang Terrace. During the renovation, the east and west side halls were dedicated to 29 ancient flood control heroes, including Shi Qi and Zheng Guo from the Warring States period, Ji An and Zheng Dang from the Han Dynasty, as well as flood control heroes from the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties.
Yuwang Terrace Park primarily features ancient architecture and botanical gardens. The main attractions include the ancient Chui Terrace commemorating Shi Kuang, the Imperial Book Tower with a plaque inscribed by Emperor Kangxi reading “功存河洛,” and the Qianlong Imperial Stele Pavilion. Additionally, there’s the “Three Sages Shrine” built to honor the poets Li Bai, Du Fu, and Gao Shi, who visited the Chui Tai and composed poems and paintings. The park also houses the Yuwang Hall commemorating Yu the Great’s flood control efforts and the “Shui De Temple” commemorating 37 flood control heroes. Besides historical relics, the park features the Xinhai Revolution Martyrs Memorial Garden, Peony Garden, Sino-Japanese Friendship Sakura Garden, and Fangchun Garden for leisurely strolls. The annual Yuwang Temple Fair held here in April attracts a large number of visitors, making the area bustling with activity.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 10 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0371-22231256 |
Location and Transportation
The Yuwang Terrace is located at 38 Fanta East First Street in the Yuwangtai District of Kaifeng City, Henan Province, near the Fanta Pagoda. To get there, you can take bus 46 and get off at Yuwangtai Park Stop (禹王台公园站).