Guanlin Temple

» Luoyang, He Nan

Guanlin Temple Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

The temple was built in 1596, during the reign of Emperor Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) and was expanded in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). According to the legend, Guan Yu was defeated and executed by the King of Wu who sent his head to Cao Cao, King of Wei, hoping in this way to divert on to the Wei any revenge that might be coming. Cao Cao neatly sidestepped this grisly game of pass the parcel by burying the head with honour in a tomb behind the temple.

The name "Guanlin"

It's a quiet place, well restored and brilliantly colored against the grey and green background of stone and the many twisted cypresses. The mausoleums of emperors were called Ling, the tombs of marquis or kings were named Zhong and those of holy men such as Confucius or Guan Yu were called Lin, hence the name Guanlin.

Who is Guan Yu

Guanlin Temple is the place where Guan Yu's head was buried. So, are you wondering about who Guan Yu is? He is a hero in Chinese history and is the only person who enjoys great respect by Confucians, Buddhists and Taoists. He also named Guan Yunchang (160 - 219). Guan Yu was a general of the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms Period.

After he was murdered by people of the Wu Kingdom, his head was sent to Cao Cao in order to frame Cao Cao and start a fight between the Shu Kingdom and the Wei Kingdom. However, Cao Cao discovered their plot. Due to his great respect for General Guan Yu, Cao Cao had Guan Yu's body carved from eaglewood and buried the carving and the head with great honors outside the South Gate of Luoyang City. Emperors of succeeding dynasties all revered Guan Yu a lot and even worshiped him as God of War. As a result, the temple in Luoyang is splendid and grandiose.

A legendary hero

Guan Yu became a legendary hero in Chinese folktales because of his bravery and faithfulness. He was also respected as "Wu Sheng" by Chinese emperors. Temples were built for him throughout the country and he was honored as a god. Portraits or pictures of Guan Yu can be found on the doors of Chinese houses during the Lunar New Year because people believe he protects the home.

A general look

The place is famous for its ancient traditional Chinese buildings and it was renowned as the Museum of Ancient architecture in that area. The complex contains several halls, an octagonal pavilion and Guanyu's tomb. Inside the halls are pictures and statues mainly devoted to the Story of the Three Kingdoms. General Guanyu's popularity among the Chinese people makes the sight the must-be place for Chinese visitors

Getting around

The temple covers an area of 100 mu (about 16.5 acres). Inside the temple are halls, tablets, small stone lions and cypress. The layout of the temple highly embodies the traditional style of Chinese architecture. It is designed and built symmetrically. Moving north from the Opera tower, there is the Main Gate, the Courtesy Gate, the First Hall, the Second Hall, the Third Gate, and the Tomb of Guan Yu. The First Hall is most magnificent. On its main gate are a series of relics telling the well-known stories of Guan Yu. The views from other halls and places inside the temple are also beautiful.

The Main Gate

The Main Gate is a 5-room-wide tower with three doorways leading to the inside. Each door of the gate tower, red in color, is inlaid with 81 golden rivets, the treatment reserved only for Chinese kings and emperors.

The First Hall

The halls behind the gate tower are magnificent and full of power and grandeur. In the First Hall, there is the statue of General Guan Yu in a sitting position wearing an imperial crown and robe with the design of the dragon on it, which is the attire only for a Chinese king or emperor. On both sides of the statue of Guan Yu, are two standing statues: On the left, Guan Pin, Guan Yu's son, holding a large seal and on the right, Zhou Cang, Guan's disciple, holding a big saber.

The Second Hall

The Second Hall is the Hall of Warriors. On both sides of this hall are two accompanying halls - the Hall of Zhang Fei and the Hall of Five Brave Generals.

The Third Hall

Behind the second hall is the Third Hall, the Hall of Spring and Autumn in which stand two statues of Guan Yu, one in the sitting and the other in the supine position, both reading a history book "Spring and Autumn," by candlelight. On the surrounding walls, are drawings depicting stories of Guan Yu, like "Three Generals fighting Lu Bu," "To Capture Jingzhou," and "A Battle at Changsha" and so on. At the rear is a backyard in which there is a pavilion called "Dragon Tablet Pavilion," established in the Qing Dynasty. On the pavilion there is horizontal plaque and inside a big tablet with the inscription commemorating Guan Yu.

Stone Lionesses

Despite its military theme, this temple is strikingly beautiful; the elegant Ming buildings are highly carved and richly decorated. Especially fine are the carved stone lionesses lining the path to the First Hall. Each has a different expression and a different cub, some riding on their mother's back, some hiding coyly behind her paws.

"The museum of the ancient arts"

At present, the Guanlin Temple is considered to be the museum of the ancient arts in the city of Luoyang. Inside the temple, the length of the covered corridor on both sides exceeds 90 meters. There is orderly one room for displaying the inscriptions and inscription on the memorial tablets, one room for showing the artworks of stone inscriptions. The total number of these craftworks, including inscriptions, inscription on the memorial tablets and stone inscriptions amounts 2000, and they show us a full picture of the art of stone inscription.

Stone craftworks

Especially, the stone houses of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the stone coffin of the northern Wei Dynasty, the stone lions of the Sui Dynasty, are treated as the rarest and most precious treasures in the world. The work of the inscription on the tablets and epitaphs amounts 1000; most of their contents are closely related with the important historical events and the crucial historical characters. In a word, it is highly valuable and worth people's attention and further researching. It is indeed a great history of stone inscription.

When to visit

Opening Hours: 8:10a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Getting there

By bus: No. 15, 42, 55, 58, 69.

Attractions around » Luoyang, He Nan

Historical Site

• Longmen Grottoes
• White Horse Temple
• Guanlin Temple

Cultural Site

• Luoyang Museum

Guanlin Temple Highlights

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Guanlin Temple FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. What is about the climate in Luoyang?

  Food

1. What are the features of food in Luoyang?

  Shopping

1. What souvenirs are worth to be bought?

  Travel

1. Is Luoyang Peony Festival very famous there?

• What is about the climate in Luoyang?

  Luoyang has very typical weather for central China, characterized by distinct seasons. Spring is cold and dry. Most of the rainfall comes during the rainy season in summer time. Autumn has the most comfortable weather conditions. Winter is cold and snow is common. It has an annual average temperature of 14 C and the average precipitation is about 600mm. Autumn is the most comfortable time here, with sunny days and modest temperatures and spring is particularly pleasant when the famous peonies begin to blossom in April and May.

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• What are the features of food in Luoyang?

  Luoyang enjoys fertile soil and rich local products. As one of ancient capitals of China, it owns plenty of delicious cuisine. Luoyang Boiled Food Banquet is a must-try when visiting the city. The banquet gets its name nacause most of the dishes are soups; the dishes are also served continuously one after another like running water. Noodles coked in green soybean milk, toped with vegetable and hot pepper oil is a yummy snack. If you are craving dumplings then try Xin'an tangmian dumplings. These pork dumplings are delicious with some vinegar. Besides, the palatable carps from the Yellow River and the fresh fruits are worth to try.

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• What souvenirs are worth to be bought?

  Apart from Chinese paintings of peonies that can be bought all over Luoyang, another local specialty is Tang tri-colored glazed enamel pottery. Traditionally, most works are of horses, camels or people, but modern pieces have expanded into framed pictures of peonies or Chinese zodiac animals. Replicas of ancient bronzes are a local specialty, especially well made are the ancient wine vessels. For something that is less fragile, pick up some Heluo Stone, which come in odd shapes and colors. Additionally, the Luoyang palace lanterns are famous for their delicacy.

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• Is Luoyang Peony Festival very famous there?

  The Luoyang Peony Festival holds in April annually. It is called Luoyang peoples festival, which is as lively as they celebrate New Year. Meanwhile, many activities for tourists to appreciate beautiful peony will be held.

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