[2025 Yuncheng ] Travel Guide for Guandi Temple (Updated May)

Yuncheng Jiezhou is Guan Yu’s hometown. When you come to Yuncheng, you must visit the "Guan Yu Ancestral Temple". Not long after leaving Ruicheng and heading north, you will arrive at the Jiezhou Guandi Temple. The construction of the Jiezhou Guandi Temple can be traced back to the ninth year of Kaihuang in the Sui Dynasty (589 AD). It has undergone expansion and reconstruction during the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, forming the magnificent scene we see today. The temple covers an area of ​​220,000 square meters and is divided into two parts: the main temple and the Jieyi Garden. When you enter the Jiezhou Guandi Temple, the first thing that catches your eye is the Duanmen Gate. As the first gate of the main temple, Duanmen is made entirely of red bricks. It looks simple and solemn, as if telling the vicissitudes of a thousand years. After passing through Duanmen, you will reach Zhimen, the second gate, which is reserved for the emperor to enter and exit. The gate is three bays wide and two bays deep, with a single-eaved hip roof. It is magnificent and demonstrates the dignity and majesty of the temple. The Meridian Gate is the third gate. It is seven bays wide and five bays deep, with a hip roof and seven beams. It was the place where civil and military officials waited for the court, presented their victories, awaited the emperor's orders and issued decrees. On the east and west sides of the front of the Meridian Gate are painted standing statues of Zhou Cang and Liao Hua, who were Guan Yu's loyal subordinates and are used as door gods in the Guandi Temple. On the north side is a painting of Guan Gong passing through five passes and beheading six generals. The gables at the east and west ends are also painted with Taoist directional gods, the Azure Dragon on the left and the White Tiger on the right. Continuing forward, we arrived at Chongning Hall. Chongning Hall was named after Emperor Huizong of Song Dynasty conferred the title of "Chongning Zhenjun" on Guan Yu. It is the main building of Guandi Temple. Chunqiu Tower is Guandi's sleeping palace, a two-story, three-eaved hip-and-gable style building. The shrine on the first floor enshrines a statue of Guan Gong in military uniform, while the shrine on the second floor enshrines a real statue of Guan Gong reading the "Spring and Autumn Annals" at night. The caisson above the Spring and Autumn Building is convex in shape, with an inverted lotus column hanging in the center and radially extending out from the surrounding raised mouths. There are a total of 204 caissons in the entire square caisson, all of which are of the same shape and equal size, and are layered and stacked. Its shape resembles a blooming chrysanthemum or a peacock spreading its tail. The wood carvings under the eaves include dragons and phoenixes, flowing clouds, flowers, figures, and animals, which are exquisitely detailed.

The Yuncheng Guan Gong Hometown Cultural Tourism Area is divided into three cultural relics tourism areas: Jiezhou Guandi Ancestral Temple, Changping Guandi Family Temple, and Changping Guandi Ancestral Tomb. What I want to share with you today is the Guandi Ancestral Temple in Jiezhou. It was first built in the Sui Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,400 years. After the Guandi Temple was burned down by fire, it took eleven years to rebuild in the Qing Dynasty (1713). The main structure is a Qing Dynasty building. It is also the earliest, largest, tallest and most complete Guandi Temple. [Chin]Highlights——Precious Cultural Relics [One]Plaques: There are many plaques bestowed by emperors of different dynasties preserved in the temple, such as "Yi Bing Qian Kun" written by Emperor Kangxi, "Shen Yong" written by Emperor Qianlong, "Wan Shi Ren Ji" written by Emperor Xianfeng, "Wei Ling Zhen Die" written by Empress Dowager Cixi, etc. These plaques are not only beautifully written, but also have high historical and cultural value. Personally, I think this is the essence of the entire ancestral temple and is well worth a visit. [Two] Bronze bell: There is a precious Wanjin bronze bell with engraved patterns. Its melodious sound is lingering in the air, witnessing the historical changes of Guandi Temple. Iron cast incense burner: The iron cast incense burner made in the sixth year of Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty has a simple shape and exquisite craftsmanship. It is an important physical material for studying the casting technology and religious culture of the Ming Dynasty. [Three] The sedan chair and the majestic iron lion, iron man and iron flagpole: These relics are exquisitely shaped and intricately crafted. They have high artistic and historical value and reflect the social outlook at the time and people’s reverence for Guan Yu. [Chin]Highlights - Architectural Art The entire temple is mainly made of wood. The main entrance adopts the typical Ming and Qing Dynasty double-eaved hip-and-gable architectural style. The roof is covered with yellow glazed tiles, showing the royal style. The temple has a rigorous architectural structure, symmetrical central axis, clear primary and secondary, and a reasonable layout. It is an architectural complex that integrates courtyards, temples, and imperial palaces. As for other architectural decorations such as wood carvings, stone carvings, brick carvings and glass carvings, they are less important compared to the temperament of the entire temple. [Chin] Travel Guide First of all, you must hire a tour guide, otherwise you will miss many stories behind the cultural relics, especially if you are traveling with children. Secondly, parking is very convenient. I parked in Parking Lot 2 and it didn’t take too long to walk there. Again, we went there after Chinese New Year, and many restaurants were closed. Although a commercial street was built to complement the place, most of the restaurants were closed. Finally, there is no need to go to the last Imperial Garden. It was newly built later, probably to cooperate with commercial development.

The first stop in Yuncheng is the Guandi Temple. The tour takes about 1.5 hours and mainly features ancient architecture and some historical and cultural explanations. Please note that the Guandi Temple and the popular Yuncheng Guan Yu Statue are two different attractions, and they are about a 20-minute drive apart. Be sure to distinguish between the two when you visit. This place feels very sacred, and is mainly for visiting and learning, not for taking photos.

Chongning Hall is the main hall of the Guandi Ancestral Temple, named after Guan Yu was conferred the title of "Chongning Zhenjun." Picture 1 shows the statue of Guan Yu in Chongning Hall. Picture 2 shows the bronze furnace in front of Chongning Hall. Picture 3 shows the Green Dragon Crescent Blade on both sides in front of the hall. Chongning Hall is surrounded by 24 dragon columns, and picture 4 shows the only column with a turtle carved on it behind the hall. Behind Chongning Hall are Suqi Qianqiu Archway and Spring and Autumn Tower (picture 5). Suqi Qianqiu Archway is said to have been built by Empress Dowager Cixi, hence the saying "Phoenix above the Dragon" (picture 15). Spring and Autumn Tower (picture 6) was originally named "Lin Jing Pavilion" and was named after the statue of Guan Yu reading the Spring and Autumn Annals. Spring and Autumn Tower has three wonders: the first is "Hanging Beams and Columns" (picture 8); the other two wonders are on the second floor, which requires an additional ticket (30 per person). The second wonder is the life-size statue of Guan Yu reading the Spring and Autumn Annals (picture 12), and the third wonder is the unique chrysanthemum caisson in China (pictures 9 and 10). In addition, the central caisson on the second floor (picture 14) and the full text of the Spring and Autumn Annals carved on the wooden wall of the warm pavilion can also be called a wonder. On the left and right sides in front of Spring and Autumn Tower are the Knife Pavilion and Seal Pavilion (picture 16). There are three groups of six "Hu People Leading Lions" bronze statues in Jiezhou Guandi Temple (picture 17), which are very interesting. Outside Guandi Temple, there is also a small Fire God Temple (picture 19).

Guandi Temple, the hometown of Guan Gong, covers an area of ​​260,000 square meters and has more than 200 rooms. It is magnificent with inscriptions written by Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong. When you come to the hometown of Guan Gong in Jiezhou Town, Shanxi Province, how can you not visit the largest and most historic Guandi Ancestral Temple in the country. The Xiezhou Guandi Temple was first built in the Sui Dynasty, expanded in the Song Dynasty, destroyed by war in the Qing Dynasty, and rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. It is the largest existing Taoist building complex and martial arts temple, and is known as the "ancestor of Guandi temples" and the "crown of martial arts temples." This is a palace-style Taoist temple with a central axis layout, mainly consisting of the Jieyi Garden, the Main Temple and the Guandi Imperial Garden. The architecture of the Main Temple in particular has well preserved the ancient charm of the Qing Dynasty. The plaque has the handwritten inscriptions of Emperor Kangxi "Yi Bing Qian Kun" and Emperor Qianlong "Shen Yong". Tour route Jieyi Garden - Duanmen - Zhimen - Wumen - Imperial Library - Chongning Hall - Chunqiu Tower Tickets: 60 yuan Transportation: Take Yuncheng Bus No. 21 or No. 11, the fare is 4 yuan

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

During the Three Kingdoms era, there were many fierce generals like Lu Bu, Dian Wei, Ma Chao, and Taishi Ci, all of whom had illustrious military achievements and were renowned for their bravery. In terms of both civil governance and martial prowess, Guan Yu was a model for all. Hence, he was praised by Chen Shou, the author of 'Records of the Three Kingdoms', as the 'Terrifying Hero of China'. After Guan Yu, many famous generals took him as an example, encouraging themselves to establish their own merits. The 'Biography of Lu Xun' in the 'Records of the Three Kingdoms' also says, 'Yu was naturally brave and fierce, difficult to be an enemy, and had already taken Jingzhou, where his kindness and trustworthiness were widely recognized, and his courage and momentum were increasingly strong.' Finally, we arrive at Xiezhou, in the west gate of Xiezhou Town, Yuncheng, Shanxi. This is Guan Yu's hometown, facing the Zhongtiao Mountains to the north of the salt pond. It was first built during the Sui Dynasty, and was expanded and repaired during the Song and Ming Dynasties. It was destroyed by fire in the forty-first year of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, and it took more than ten years to restore. It is known for its early establishment, large scale, high standards, and well-preserved state. The southern part is lush with peach groves, where flowers bloom like brocade in spring. It was designed and built to reflect the peach garden setting where Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei swore brotherhood in Zhuo County. The whole area is surrounded by ancient cypresses, with beautiful lake and mountain views, bamboo around the lake, willows touching the green lotus, peach blossoms covering the mountains, and pavilions and towers. This article mainly features the photography of Chongning Hall, which is the main hall here, named after the title given to Guan Yu by Emperor Huizong of Song. In front of the hall, there is a bronze tripod incense burner and a rectangular table, which were cast in the Qing Dynasty following ancient styles.

“When asked if Shanxi is bad, I answered, “wherever my heart is at peace is my hometown.” Yuncheng, formerly known as "Hedong", is located east of the Yellow River. This is an important birthplace of Chinese civilization and the earliest place called China. Yuncheng has salt lakes, Shun and Yu, and Yuncheng has Hou Ji. Huangdi and Yandi "formed an alliance" here, and Chiyou was "knocked down" and thrown into the lake here. The Battle of Zhuolu ended with Huangdi defeating Chiyou. Eventually, the Yanhuang and Chiyou tribes merged with each other, and the glorious history of Chinese civilization began. In fact, Yao was in Linfen, not far away. After Huangdi, three legendary tribal alliance leaders appeared in the Yellow River Basin: Tang Yao, Yu Shun and Xia Yu. Yao, Shun and Yu are recognized as sages by all schools of thought in later generations. During the period when they governed the world, they promulgated the seasonal laws of agricultural production, improved government laws, controlled floods, expanded territory, created music and rituals, established the system of abdication and initially formed the political form of "country". The opening line of the Book of Songs: Birth of the People reads: "When the people were first born, it was Jiang Yuan. How did they give birth to the people? They performed sacrifices and offered offerings, so that they would not be childless. They followed the Emperor Wu Min San, and were always at ease. They carried on Zhen and Su, and gave birth to and raised people. It was Hou Ji at that time." This poem, which was circulated among the Zhou ethnic group and describes the birth of ancestors, is one of the epics of the Han nationality in the pre-Qin period. The ancestor mentioned in this poem is Hou Ji, the ancestor recognized by the Zhou people. Yuncheng has a summer capital Xia was the first dynasty in Chinese history. As the beginning of the three ancient dynasties of Xia, Shang and Zhou, it developed on the basis of the culture of Tang Yao and Yu Shun, and it arose in Hedong. Stories such as the Xia capital Anyi, Shang Tang's conquest of Xia, and Duke Wen of Jin's domination of the world have all left a deep historical mark in the Hedong region. Yuncheng has 102 national protected sites, the most among prefecture-level cities. Only Beijing ranks ahead of Yuncheng in the country. When it comes to national protection, ancient Chinese capitals such as Xi'an, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Nanjing, etc. have to stand aside compared to Yuncheng. There are many scenic spots in Yuncheng, but they are too scattered. If you go to Yuncheng for at least 5 days, you may not be able to visit all the places. 1. Guandi Temple - the largest Guandi Temple complex in China. As soon as you enter Haizhou Town, you will see various elements of Guan Gong. The architectural style of Guandi Temple is extremely imperial, which is enough to prove the respect for him by all dynasties. The several cultural and creative products in Guandi Temple are all worth visiting and are very distinctive. The last Chunqiu Tower is worth visiting. Although the ticket costs an additional 30 yuan, you will get a small lucky bag, which is rare in the scenic area. 2. Yongle Palace - It takes about 50 minutes to drive from Guandi Temple to Ruicheng, passing through the Zhongtiao Mountain Tunnel which is nearly 10 kilometers long. The cultural and creative store of Yongle Palace is at the entrance of the scenic area. There are many species, but there is nothing to buy. The murals are indeed shocking, but I don’t understand why we are not allowed to take pictures. The security guards scolded us in various ways. I really don’t understand it! 3. Guangrenwang Temple - The attraction is free and very close to Yongle Palace. I have been fortunate to visit Nanchan Temple and Foguang Temple before. This temple is much smaller than the two in Xinzhou, but it is built like a small museum. You can learn a lot of knowledge and it is definitely worth a visit. 4. Sima Wengong Temple in Xia County. The attraction is not particularly large. In addition to Sima Guang's ancestral hall and tomb, there is also a Song Dynasty temple. There is also a stele building outside the Wengong Temple. I happened to catch the immersive performance at the Sima Wengong Temple. Every actor was very dedicated. From the old man selling candied haws on the street to the young lady playing the maid, you can really feel the care of every cast and crew member and the scene arrangement. 5. Wanrong Li Family Compound. The kindness of Shanxi merchants is the main theme of the Li Family Courtyard. The design of every courtyard and every finely carved brick and tile are full of the owner's beautiful expectations for life. It is recommended to ask a tour guide for an explanation, which takes about an hour, and I think it is worth it. 6. Feiyun Tower, Wanrong County The first wooden building in China is located in Dongyue Temple and is now inaccessible. Behind the wooden building is the main part of Dongyue Temple. The scenic spot is relatively small, about 40 minutes away from Li's Courtyard, and the tour time is about 20-30 minutes. If you think the distance is too far, you don't have to make the trip. 7. Yuncheng Museum Take bus No. 14 directly to the destination, and pay by ZFB card directly. The south gate is the exit. There are explanations in the exhibition hall on the first floor, but I didn't stay long in the exhibition halls on the second and third floors. Due to the convenience of online media nowadays, the exhibition of basic information on some cultural relics and attractions in museums has lost its meaning. This is not just a problem for the Yuncheng Museum, but a problem that all museums in the country must consider. So we watched the national treasure one more time. There is a stamp collection area at the exit on the first floor. It is recommended to bring a stamp collection book. The vertical large-size 6-composite stamp is worth stamping. The two-day trip to Yuncheng ended here. The special forces never stopped, but still felt unsatisfied. We visited 7-8 scenic spots, but less than one-tenth of the cultural relics protected in Yuncheng. I am so envious of the people of Yuncheng. I beg you to protect these cultural relics and I will come again next time.