Fēnglè

Fengle lay at an important river crossing north-west of Zhongxiang, the former Anlu centre on the Han River. Historical geography describes the Fengle River mouth as a key approach to the prefectural city, where patrols and a garrison were proposed to secure the passage. River transport and roads serving the administrative centre met here.

In 1539 the Jiajing emperor stayed at Fengle during both his southward journey and his return. He was visiting the home of his princely family and his father's tomb near Zhongxiang. The visit led to an extensive remodelling of the Xianling mausoleum. Fengle served as a staging point, joining the ordinary work of a river landing with the exceptional demands of imperial travel.