Luzhou Prefecture Yamen

Luzhou Prefecture Yamen

Luzhou Prefecture Yamen is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Luzhou Prefecture Yamen

Luzhou Prefecture Yamen (Sixth Batch of National Heritage Sites)

Era: Ming

Address: Near Miaodao Lane, Urban District, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province

Originally built during the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty (581–600), it was destroyed by fire in the second year of the Yuan Dynasty's Taiding era (1325). In the third year of Taiding (1326), public offices and halls were rebuilt. In the third year of the Ming Dynasty's Hongwu era (1370), the Shangdang Gate complex was reconstructed. In the 31st year of Hongwu (1398), a bell tower was added on the right side. In the seventh year of the Chenghua era (1471), a drum tower was added on the left. It was renovated in the third year of the Hongzhi era (1490). Another renovation took place in 1932.

The yamen faces south and currently features structures such as the main gate, the bell and drum towers, the second hall of the prefecture office, the administrative courtyard, and the West Garden. The main gate and the bell and drum towers are aligned horizontally, standing on high platforms, with a clear hierarchy and well-balanced layout. The main gate is three bays wide and four rafters deep, with the central bay serving as the entrance, while the side bays feature brick-built fan-shaped walls. It has a single-eave, hanging hip roof. The bell and drum towers are constructed with brick battlements, arched gateways, and stairways, topped with a structure that is three bays wide and deep, featuring a double-eave, hip-and-gable roof. The eastern bell tower is called Fengchi (Wind Rider), and the western drum tower is called Yundong (Cloud Mover), symbolizing their towering reach into the sky. The towers have intricately arranged brackets, elegant proportions, and distinct yet harmonious designs. They are prime examples of regional Ming Dynasty architecture with strong ethnic characteristics.

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units