Strolling through the ancestral temple of Guan Yu, one feels the loyalty and righteousness that has persisted for a thousand years

Speaking of Guan Yu, he is no stranger to us. The man we call Guan Gong lived a life full of legend, known to the world for his loyalty, bravery, and sense of righteousness, and is an indispensable part of traditional Chinese culture. Guan Yu is the protector of the Buddhist dharma, the great demon-subduing emperor in Taoism, and the martial saint in Confucianism. Emperors through the ages have regarded Guan Gong as the embodiment of loyalty and righteousness, and an idol of benevolence and courage, conferring titles upon him 23 times by 16 different emperors. Emperor Kangxi personally wrote 'Yi Bing Qian Kun', Emperor Qianlong defined him as 'Shen Yong', and Emperor Xianfeng personally wrote 'Wan Shi Ren Ji', these inscriptions hanging in the Guandi Temple in Jiezhou are unparalleled in the world. Wu Sheng Guan Yu, styled Yunchang, was from Xie County, Hedong Prefecture (present-day Yuncheng, Shanxi, Jiezhou Town). He wielded the Green Dragon Crescent Blade as his weapon and was unmatched in bravery, slaying Hua Xiong with warm wine and cutting down Yan Liang with his blade. He formed the 'Peach Garden Oath' with Liu Bei and Zhang Fei, not seeking to be born in the same year and month, but to die in the same year and month. When Liu Bei's power was weak, Guan and Zhang stayed by his side, protecting Liu Bei in every possible way. In the fifth year of Jian'an, Liu Bei was defeated and sought refuge with Yuan Shao, Guan Yu was captured by Cao Cao, who admired Guan Yu's talent and loyalty, treated him with great respect, and appointed him as a general. Guan Yu did not forget Liu Bei's kindness, and upon hearing news of Liu, he left his seal and gold, passed through five checkpoints, and killed six generals, riding a thousand miles alone. Later, Guan Yu joined Liu Bei in campaigns to the south and north, contributing greatly to the establishment of the Shu Han. The ancestral temple of Guan Di, built at the end of the Chen dynasty and the beginning of the Sui dynasty, is the hometown of Guan Yu and the birthplace of Guan Gong culture. It is also the earliest built, largest in scale, highest in establishment, and most completely preserved Guandi temple in China, known as the 'Ancestor of Guan Temples' and the 'Crown of Martial Temples'. Upon first seeing the ancestral temple of Guan Di, one travels through a thousand years. The architecture here is full of classical charm, with carved beams and painted rafters, flying eaves and upturned corners, and ingenuity in every detail. Walking through the ancestral temple of Guan Di, one converses with history and blends with faith. One feels the profound history and reads the loyalty and righteousness that never fades. 📝Practical Tips: 📍Detailed address | No. 145 Wuyi Road, Yancheng District, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province - Jiezhou Guandi Ancestral Temple 🕙Opening hours | 08:00-18:00 (peak season) 🚌Bus | Route 11, Yongji Express Special Line direct 🚘Self-driving | Follow the navigation