The Yongle Encyclopedia is a vast Chinese encyclopedia commissioned by the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty in 1403. It was created to compile and preserve knowledge from various fields, including history, literature, and science. The encyclopedia consists of over 11,000 volumes and is one of the largest works of its kind in history. Completed in 1408, the Yongle Encyclopedia aimed to promote Confucian ideals and serve as a reference for scholars. Although most copies were lost over time, it remains a significant cultural achievement, reflecting the intellectual pursuits of the era and the importance of knowledge in Chinese history.