Hometown of Yang Guifei in Yongji

Hometown of Yang Guifei in Yongji

The Hometown of Yang Guifei in Yongji is a cultural heritage site protected by Shanxi Province.

The hometown of Yang Guifei is located in Dutou Village, Hanyang Town, 21 kilometers southwest of Yongji City, Shanxi Province. This area lies at the tri-junction of the three provinces in the Golden Triangle of the Yellow River, where "a rooster's crow can be heard in three provinces." It enjoys excellent geographical advantages with expressways, secondary highways, and the Nan Tong Pu Railway passing through. As the first tourism gem of Shanxi, it boasts very convenient transportation. In 1994, the site was surveyed, designed, and developed. Major construction has already seen an investment of 8 million yuan, covering an area of 65 mu. In October 1994, Mr. Wang Zhan Yi, a private entrepreneur, invested in the development of this project to promote national culture, advance tourism, and boost the economy of Yongji.

The site features a complex of Tang-style and ancient-style architecture, including the Yang Guifei Hometown Archway, Yang Family Courtyard, Yang Guifei Memorial Hall, Ancestral Hall, West Garden, Guanyin Temple, Guifei Pool, parking lot, office building, guesthouse, and restaurant. It was completed and opened to the public in 1997. As one of the few scenic areas dedicated to exploring Yang Guifei and the politics, economy, culture, and art of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, it holds profound educational significance and high value for tourism, sightseeing, and research. Here, visitors can experience the splendor of a bygone era, appreciate the rich history and culture of the motherland, and even bathe in the mystical waters of the Guifei Pool. We warmly welcome friends from all over the world to visit and explore this site.

Yang Yuhuan (719–756), daughter of Yang Xuan Yan, who served as an official in Shu Prefecture (present-day Chongqing County, Sichuan). Her ancestral home was in Hongnong Huayin (present-day Huayin, Shaanxi), but she later moved to Dutou Village, Yongle County, Puzhou (now Yongji City).

Yang Yuhuan lost both her parents at a young age and was raised by her uncle’s family. In the 22nd year of the Kaiyuan era (734), the 15-year-old Yang Yuhuan was chosen as the consort of Li Mao, the Prince of Shou, thus becoming the daughter-in-law of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang.

In the 24th year of the Kaiyuan era (736), Wu Huifei, the favorite consort of Emperor Xuanzong, passed away. The emperor was deeply grieved, lamenting that "among the thousands in the inner palace, there was none he favored" (from the Old Book of Tang... More details about Yang Yuhuan++)