Ye County Yamen

Ye County Yamen is a government compound from the early Ming Dynasty with reception halls, administrative offices, residential areas, and holding cells arranged in a traditional layout. The buildings open onto interior courtyards, with the main structures aligned along a north-south axis.

Founded in 1369, this compound served as the local administrative center and judicial venue throughout the Ming Dynasty. It has shaped the governance of this region for over 650 years.

The layout demonstrates how imperial officials were organized and where they conducted daily business, with formal spaces for ceremonies separated from working areas. Walking through different sections, visitors can sense how strict protocols governed interactions between administrators and the public.

The grounds are divided into distinct areas that are easy to explore on foot, with pathways that guide natural movement through the complex. An audio guide or map helps clarify the purpose of each space you visit.

In one courtyard stands an original Ming Dynasty stone where accused persons had to kneel during legal proceedings. This physical artifact speaks to judicial practice more vividly than any written account could.