Yongle Emperor

明成祖 (朱棣)

["Ming Emperor", "Builder of the Forbidden City", "Patron of Zheng He's Treasure Fleets"]

Born May 02, 1360

Nanjing, Yuan / Early Ming

Passed Away Aug 12, 1424 Yumuchuan (Inner Mongolia), Ming Dynasty

Lifespan 64 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Let the nations of the four seas come in peace and trade; China seeks not conquest, but the harmony of all under Heaven."

Archival Overview

Third emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1402–1424) Zhu Di, who constructed the colossal Forbidden City in Beijing, rebuilt the Grand Canal, commissioned the 11,000-volume Yongle Encyclopedia, and launched Admiral Zheng He's legendary treasure fleet voyages across the Indian Ocean.

Biographical Record

Zhu Di (1360–1424) served as the Prince of Yan defending the northern frontier at Beijing before seizing the throne in the 1399–1402 Jingnan civil war. Moving the imperial capital north to Beijing, he constructed the monumental Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, creating the architectural heart of China.

Yongle sponsored the 'Yongle Dadian' (Yongle Encyclopedia), the largest general encyclopedia in pre-modern history compiled by 2,000 scholars. Between 1405 and 1424, Yongle dispatched his trusted Muslim admiral Zheng He on seven maritime expeditions commanding hundreds of colossal treasure ships to Southeast Asia, India, Arabia, and East Africa, projecting Chinese prestige worldwide.

Key Life Milestones

1405

Launch of Zheng He's First Maritime Treasure Fleet

Dispatched the largest armada in world history to explore and establish trade across the Indian Ocean.

1420

Completion of the Forbidden City in Beijing

Transferred the imperial capital to Beijing and inaugurated the grand Forbidden City palace complex.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Changling Mausoleum (Ming Tombs)
Changping (Beijing), China

                         GPS: 40.2972, 116.2489                    

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