Pay a visit to Guandi Temple in Jiezhou- Yishen heaven and earth, great virtue has no boundaries

On September 13, 2024, a team from the overseas Chinese media, part of the “Loyalty and Righteousness Worldwide” initiative, visited the historic Xiezhou Guandi Temple in Shanxi Province’s Yuncheng City. The temple, nestled in the southern region of Yancheng and framed by the majestic Mid-Strip Mountain, serves as a remarkable testament to ancient devotion and history, filled with the stories of legendary heroes.

As the interview team approached the temple, a sense of solemnity gripped the group. They moved quietly, bowing with reverence before the altar, while the fragrant incense smoke drifted softly around them, evoking the profound legacy of Guan Gong, a symbol of loyalty, righteousness, compassion, and courage.

Dating back to the Sui Dynasty, the Xiezhou Guandi Temple has been meticulously renovated through various dynasties, resulting in a stunningly well-preserved architectural complex. The layout follows a central axis, showcasing structures like the Main Gate, Barbican Gate, Noon Gate, the Royal Writing Building, Chongning Hall, and Chunqiu Building, all adorned with wooden and stone pavilions, stele pavilions, bell pavilions, and long corridors.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by grand pines and cypress trees, alongside impressive pavilions and corridors. Each structure contributes to the rich historical narrative surrounding Guan Gong’s cultural influence. At the incense burner, guests frequently kneel in prayer, making wishes and seeking blessings.

Under the Chunqiu Building, many visitors took the chance to capture photos. The recent success of the video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” which features the temple in its gameplay, has sparked additional interest among tourists. Chen Yuanyuan, director of the Guan Gong Culture Research Office at the temple, highlighted that Chunqiu Building, also known as Lijing Pavilion, is regarded as an architectural treasure due to its unique wooden construction, a rarity in ancient Chinese architecture.

Inside the temple, numerous plaques decorate the walls. Notably, the plaque inscribed “Yi Bing Qian Kun” by Emperor Kangxi holds a prominent position in Chongning Hall, while “Wan Shi Ren Ji,” authored by Emperor Xianfeng, is situated near the hall’s entrance. A plaque labeled “Shen Yong” hangs from the eaves, with some visitors playfully noting that it resembles “nan shen,” or “male deity,” when viewed from one side, while others chime in that Guan Gong is indeed celebrated as the “male deity” by many.

The Xiezhou Guandi Temple is honored as the “ancestor of Guan temples” and the “crown jewel of martial temples,” drawing visitors and devotees from around the world. Annual events such as the Qingming Festival, which honors the Guan family ancestors, the ancient temple fair on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, Guan Gong’s birthday celebrations, and the Guan Gong Cultural Tourism Festival increase visitor numbers each year. Furthermore, cultural exchanges and collaborations have been established with over 80 Guan temples and Guan Gong cultural associations globally, spanning countries like the United States, France, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, and Mexico.

According to Chen Yuanyuan, since 2019, the temple and the Guan Gong Culture Research Institute have launched a “Global Guan Gong Cultural Exchange Base” initiative. Notably, the temple’s donation box has received foreign currency from over 70 different countries, highlighting its international allure.

For centuries, worship of Guan Gong has flourished, with the values of loyalty, righteousness, compassion, and courage deeply rooted in the global Chinese community. “As a significant representation of outstanding traditional Chinese culture, Guan Gong culture is a cultural treasure shared by all humanity,” remarked Fu Wenyuan, director of the temple’s cultural relic protection office.

As the interview team concluded their visit, they left with a deeper appreciation of the stories that resonate within the silent walls of the temple. The stunning landscapes of Yancheng and the Mid-Strip Mountain, characterized by flowing waters and gentle breezes, encapsulate the timeless spirit of loyalty that binds heaven and earth together.