Daming Palace, also known as the Palace of Great Brilliance, was one of the grandest imperial palaces in ancient China. It was built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and served as the primary residence of the Tang emperors for more than two centuries. The palace was located in Chang’an, the capital of the Tang Dynasty, which is now modern-day Xi’an in China’s Shaanxi Province.
Over the centuries, Daming Palace has been the setting of many legends and tales, some of which have been passed down through generations. Here are just a few of the most famous legends associated with the palace:
The Flying Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow
One of the most famous legends of Daming Palace involves a beautiful mural painted on the palace walls during the Tang Dynasty. The mural, called “The Flying Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow,” depicts a magnificent horse with its hooves planted firmly on the back of a flying swallow. According to legend, the mural was so realistic that the horse appeared to be running across the palace wall, and the swallow looked as if it were flying in the sky.
Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong
Another famous legend associated with Daming Palace involves Yang Guifei, one of the most beautiful and beloved women in Chinese history. Yang Guifei was a concubine of Emperor Xuanzong, who built a beautiful garden in the palace called the Huaqing Hot Springs for her. However, their love affair caused great turmoil in the empire, leading to a rebellion known as the An Lushan Rebellion. According to legend, Yang Guifei was killed during the rebellion, and her ghost still haunts the Huaqing Hot Springs to this day.
The Great Fire
In 907 AD, the Tang Dynasty came to an end when the palace was destroyed by a great fire. According to legend, the fire was caused by a group of vengeful ghosts who had been wronged by the Tang emperors. The ghosts set fire to the palace in revenge, destroying it completely.
The Jade Maiden
Another legend of Daming Palace involves the Jade Maiden, a beautiful young woman who was said to have lived during the Tang Dynasty. According to legend, the Jade Maiden was so beautiful that she was made of jade. The Tang emperors were so taken with her beauty that they built a special palace just for her. However, the castle was destroyed during the An Lushan Rebellion, and the Jade Maiden’s spirit still haunts the ruins of the palace to this day.
The Underground Palace
Finally, there is a legend of an underground palace beneath Daming Palace. According to legend, the underground palace was built during the Tang Dynasty as a place to store treasures and protect the emperors during times of war. However, the palace was abandoned and forgotten for centuries until it was rediscovered in the 1950s. Today, visitors to Daming Palace can explore the underground palace and see the treasures that were once stored there.