Hefei - Crossbow Platform

(Local Name: Jiaonu Ta) The Platform for Instruction in Crossbow Shooting (Jiaonu Tai), in the east of the town, was erected in the 2nd C on instructions from Cao Cao, the chancellor of the state of Wei, for the purpose of providing instruction in the use of the crossbow. 500 bowmen were trained here to defend the town. On the platform stands a fountain, dating from 269, the balustrade of which is marked by deep furrows where it was used to sharpen arrows.