Illustration of the King of Yue’s Platform

original: 粵王臺圖 (Yuè Wáng Tái Tú)

The King of Yue’s PlatformAlso known as Yue Wang Tai. This was a famous historical site located on Yuexiu Hill in Guangzhou. It is traditionally associated with Zhao Tuo, the founder of the Nanyue Kingdom (204–137 BCE), who reportedly built the terrace for viewing the surrounding territory and performing rituals. is a site of great antiquity.

As seen in the accompanying illustration, the terrain is characterized by winding riverbanks and steep, rocky elevations typical of the region's coastal topography. A tall flagstaff stands near the main structure, signaling the site's former status as a center of local authority and observation. This landmark has long been a subject for poets and artists, representing the ancient roots of the LingnanA geographical and cultural term meaning "South of the Passes," referring to the lands south of the Five Ridges (modern-day Guangdong, Guangxi, and northern Vietnam). civilization.