Youchao is the inventor of houses and buildings, according to ancient Chinese mythology. He is said to have been one of The Three Sovereigns in ancient China. He is an obscure figure, also known as Da Chao (大巢). Tradition holds that he ruled over China for 200 years from 3162–2962 BC. According to Han Feizi, people could avoid harm from animals with the help of buildings made from wood, which was taught by Youchao.