Guling Platform｜The First Platform for Sacrificial Rites in China

Guling Platform is located in Lingtai County, Pingliang City, Gansu Province. It was first built in the 11th century BC during the Shang Dynasty. After King Wen of Zhou conquered the Mishu Kingdom in the Baili Town area of present-day Lingtai County, he built it to offer sacrifices to heaven, demonstrate virtue, and celebrate with the people. The 'Lingtai' has a long history. During the Tang Dynasty, it was officially designated as the county name. 🌟 The original 'Lingtai' faced south and was built with rammed earth. Historically, 'Lingtai' was destroyed twice and rebuilt twice. In the 23rd year of the Republic of China (1934), the then county magistrate Zhang Dongye and Lingtai native military general Yang Ziheng presided over the reconstruction of 'Lingtai'. It was rebuilt with blue bricks, with a base width of 12.3 meters and a height of 12.3 meters. The platform was divided into two levels, with a Bagua Pavilion on top and a statue of King Wen of Zhou inside. Legend has it that when it was completed, two red-crowned cranes flew from the east, circled the platform for three days, and perched on the ancient cypress of the Wenwang Temple, causing a sensation in the county and being regarded as an auspicious sign. At that time, many high-ranking officials and local military and political celebrities such as Lin Sen, Sun Ke, Li Zongren, Duan Qirui, Yang Hucheng, and Fu Zuoyi inscribed and erected steles to congratulate, giving 'Lingtai' a renewed appearance. ✅ The current 'Lingtai' was completed on December 28, 1985. It still faces south, with a base width of 18 meters and a height of 33 meters. The platform is divided into three levels, with a large hall on the top level housing a statue of King Wen of Zhou. The walls on both sides are painted with large murals depicting the grand scenes of King Wen's conquest of Mishu. The base corridor is a forest of steles, containing over 200 inscriptions and plaques by ancient and modern political figures. The courtyard is adorned with ancient cypresses over a hundred years old. 'Lingtai' has a long history and profound culture, and is known as 'The First Platform for Sacrificial Rites in China.' Lingtai County, named after 'Lingtai', is a historical and cultural city in Gansu Province. 📍 Detailed address: No. 26, East Street, Lingtai County, Pingliang City, Gansu Province 🕙 Opening hours: 8:00—17:00 💰 Ticket price: Free