Shou Qiu

'Longevity Hill') is a historical site on the eastern outskirts of the city of Qufu in Shandong Province, China.

Shou Qiu itself is today marked only by a pyramidal monument, covered in stone in the 12th century, that represents the legendary hill itself.

In the 11th century, a large complex was built around the pyramid, including governmental buildings and a shrine to the Yellow Emperor himself.

[dubious – discuss][2] The steles were also carved on site during the time, but were left lying on the ground unfinished, because the Song dynasty lost control of the area[2] to the invading Jurchens in the Jin–Song wars.

Missing fragments that could not be located had to be replaced; some say that this resulted in some changes of the giant tortoises' appearance: according to one local guide, "the older claws were sharper and showed more strength.