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Yongle Palace is located on the east side of Longquan Village, 3 kilometers north of Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. It was first built in the Yuan Dynasty. Due to the construction of Sanmenxia Reservoir, it was relocated to the current Longquan Village. The main buildings of the existing Yongle Palace are one gate and three halls. One gate is the Dragon and Tiger Hall, also known as the Wuji Gate, and the three halls are the Sanqing Hall, Chunyang Hall, and Chongyang Hall.
Highlights: The Yongle Palace murals, covering a total area of 1,000 square meters across four main halls, feature a rich variety of themes and exquisite artistry. They inherit the finest painting techniques from the Tang and Song dynasties while incorporating the characteristics of Yuan Dynasty painting, forming the unique style of the Yongle Palace murals. The quintessential mural is the "Chao Yuan Tu" in the Wuji Hall, which fully embodies the essence of traditional Chinese painting and is worthy of its reputation as a treasure trove of Yuan Dynasty art. Photography of the murals is prohibited, but catalogs are available. In spring, the Yongle Palace is covered in crape myrtles.
Climate: Warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate
Best time to travel: May to October, with good weather and pleasant scenery
Recommended place to visit: Sanqing Temple murals
Recommended playing time: 2 hours
¥50
08:00-18:00
Yongle Palace, located in Yuncheng, Shanxi, is a Taoist temple with a history dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The palace is known for its architectural style and the preservation of Taoist culture. It is particularly famous for its murals depicting Taoist immortals and deities.
Yongle Palace is located in Yuncheng, Shanxi Province. It can be accessed by taxi or private car from Yuncheng city center. Public transport options are limited, so taxis are the most convenient way to get there.
The palace is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the natural surroundings are most beautiful.
The entrance fee is typically around 40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and in some cases, online booking is available through local tourism websites.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons, such as holidays or festivals. Generally, booking 1-2 days before your visit is sufficient.
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore the palace, including time to visit the halls, admire the murals, and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be available in Mandarin, but foreign language options are limited.
The best viewpoints for photography are from the upper levels of the palace, offering views of the surrounding mountains and gardens. The temple's front façade is also a great spot for capturing the palace's architectural beauty.
Start by visiting the main halls and taking time to observe the murals. Then, explore the surrounding gardens and enjoy the peaceful environment. Conclude with a visit to the upper levels for panoramic views of the area.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Yongle Palace. The attraction is best visited during the day to appreciate the murals and architecture in natural light.
The palace can get crowded during national holidays and weekends. To avoid crowds, visit during weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
The palace is somewhat accessible for elderly visitors, although some areas may require climbing stairs. The main halls and gardens are suitable for families with children and elderly visitors, but mobility may be challenging in some parts.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Cash is also accepted, but mobile payments are more common and convenient.
There are a few local restaurants near the entrance of Yongle Palace offering traditional Shanxi dishes. For more options, visitors can head to Yuncheng city center.
Vegetarian options are available at some local restaurants, primarily focusing on vegetable dishes. Halal food options may be available, but they are more common in Yuncheng city rather than at the palace itself.
Yes, there are souvenir shops at the entrance of Yongle Palace selling Taoist-related items, religious artifacts, and local crafts like hand-carved wooden figures and incense.
After visiting, you can take a taxi or private car to explore nearby attractions like the Qiao Family Compound or the Ruins of Lingchuan. Public transportation is available in Yuncheng city, but taxis or rental cars are more convenient for further exploration.
