Yongle Palace

　　   Yongle Palace features an expansive architectural layout, with a built-up area of over 8,000 square meters. Along its 1,000-meter-long north-south central axis stand six ancient structures: the Mountain Gate, Wenying Lake, the Palace Gate, the Hall of Wuji, the Hall of Chunyang, and the Hall of Chongyang. The western section houses a Folk Museum, service area, rockery, pavilions, the Shrine of Lü Dongbin, and the Hall of the Queen Mother of the West, while the eastern part includes a parking lot, commercial area, stage, corridor, the Temple of Zhenwu, a stone memorial archway, and the Juxian Garden along with the Tomb of Lüzu in the rear garden. The overall layout is clear and well-organized, with a distinct hierarchy.

　　   Yongle Palace preserves Yuan Dynasty murals covering a total area of 1,005.28 square meters, distributed across four main halls: the Gate of Wuji, the Hall of Wuji, the Hall of Chunyang, and the Hall of Chongyang. The finest of these murals are represented by the "Illustrations of the Deities’ Homage to the Primordial" in the Hall of Wuji.

　　   The Hall of Wuji, the main hall of Yongle Palace, is majestic and dominates the entire complex. Its interior is resplendent and grand, exuding a magnificent aura. The "Illustrations of the Deities’ Homage to the Primordial" painted here are a rare masterpiece in the history of Chinese art. Spanning 402 square meters, the mural depicts 286 deities paying homage, with eight main figures over three meters tall and fairy maidens over 1.9 meters. The composition follows a symmetrical and ceremonial arrangement, led by the Azure Dragon and White Tiger, followed by 32 heavenly sovereigns at the rear, and the eight main deities leading the grand worship ceremony. The scene is harmonious and natural, with clear hierarchy, lifelike expressions, elegant color tones, and a rich variety of garments. The grand and majestic atmosphere of the scene is overwhelming. Mr. Zheng Zhenduo praised it as “a grand exhibition of the majesty of the Han palace, and a magnificent compilation of figure paintings.”

　　   The Hall of Chunyang and the Hall of Chongyang feature continuous narrative murals depicting the legendary stories of Lü Dongbin and Wang Chongyang attaining immortality through Taoist practice. These murals integrate figures, landscapes, gardens, palaces, ancient Taoist temples, farmhouses, and teahouses, providing valuable material for studying the social life of the Tang, Song, Jin, and Yuan dynasties.

　　   The mural art of Yongle Palace has been lauded by the renowned playwright Ma Shaobo as: “Iron-hook brushwork of the Three Pure Ones of Yongle, blending the styles of Cao and Wu with both strength and grace. The legacy of the Tang and Song dynasties fills every wall—it can truly be called first-class under heaven.”

　　   After relocation, Yongle Palace has undergone several large-scale renovations and expansions. The ancient buildings have regained their youthful splendor. Today, Yongle Palace shines with magnificent halls, staggered pavilions, towering towers, elegant corridors, and galleries, forming a comprehensive destination that integrates sightseeing, entertainment, accommodation, dining, and shopping.

　　   The Hall of Chunyang and the Hall of Chongyang feature continuous narrative murals depicting the legendary stories of Lü Dongbin and Wang Chongyang attaining immortality through Taoist practice. These murals integrate figures, landscapes, gardens, palaces, ancient Taoist temples, farmhouses, and teahouses, providing valuable material for studying the social life of the Tang, Song, Jin, and Yuan dynasties.

　　   The mural art of Yongle Palace has been lauded by the renowned playwright Ma Shaobo as: “Iron-hook brushwork of the Three Pure Ones of Yongle, blending the styles of Cao and Wu with both strength and grace. The legacy of the Tang and Song dynasties fills every wall—it can truly be called first-class under heaven.”

　　   After relocation, Yongle Palace has undergone several large-scale renovations and expansions. The ancient buildings have regained their youthful splendor. Today, Yongle Palace shines with magnificent halls, staggered pavilions, towering towers, elegant corridors, and galleries, forming a comprehensive destination that integrates sightseeing, entertainment, accommodation, dining, and shopping.

　　   Source: Yuncheng City Local Chronicles Compilation Committee