[2] She was born before her father Liu Bang became a serious political contender, after which most of her early life was spent avoiding capture by enemy forces.
Princess Yuan's mother Empress Lü Zhi had little power after her husband became emperor and was powerless to prevent Emperor Gaozu from making plans to marry Princess Yuan, as the daughter of the legitimate wife, to a Xiongnu leader to prevent the nomads from causing trouble on the northern border.
Their daughter Zhang Yan was married to Princess Yuan's younger brother Liu Ying in c. November 192 BC, as part of their mother's attempts to control the imperial household.
[6] In c.December 194 BC, King Daohui of Qi presented Chengyang Commandery to Princess Yuan and honoured her as Queen dowager.
[7] Princess Yuan is buried in the Han Royal Tomb group near Xianyang at Anling, alongside her brother, daughter and husband.