Youchao

The Nest Builder

Sage who taught people to build shelters in trees, honored as a founder of dwelling civilization.

Youchao, “He Who Has Nests,” taught the first people to build shelters of wood above the ground after beasts and serpents made cave life deadly. The people made him their king, and his name marks the beginning of architecture: from the hollow to the nest to the house, human safety first learned to climb.