Guan Yu Temple (关羽祠), located atop the Unarmored Hill (卸甲山) near the southern gate of the ancient city of Jingzhou, is a memorial constructed by the people of Jingzhou to commemorate Guan Yu. It stands as a testament to the city’s respect for Guan Yu’s loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and bravery. The temple serves as a place of inspiration, aiming to impart these virtuous qualities to future generations, encouraging them to “read good books, speak kindly, perform good deeds, and be good individuals.” Legend has it that Zhang Maoxiu, the third son of the eminent Ming Dynasty statesman Zhang Juzheng, studied here and achieved the top academic rank during the imperial examinations.
The original temple was built in the early Ming Dynasty but was later destroyed during battles with Japanese invaders. The existing structures were reconstructed in 2007, reflecting the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of GUan Yu Temple
- Vlog about Guan Yu Temple
- Other Attractions within Jingzhou Ancient City
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 15 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.30; Last admission: 17.00 |
Location and Transportation
Guan Yu Temple is located atop Unarmored Hill within the New South Gate area of Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, China. Specifically, its address is 99 Huannan Road. To get there, you can take bus 1, 12, 15, 23, 47, 51, or 968 and get off at Xinnanmen Stop (新南门站).
Highlights of GUan Yu Temple
The overall layout of Guan Yu Temple adheres to the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing periods. Positioned to the south, it closely abuts the brick city wall of the ancient Jingzhou, while the east, west, and north sides seamlessly integrate with the terraced foundations and earthen city walls. The entrance and exit of Guan Yu Temple are adjacent, and upon entering the scenic area, visitors can follow the clockwise path to explore the temple.
Passing through the mountain gate with its overhanging eaves and ornate corners, visitors ascend a staircase known as the “Sky Ladder,” consisting of 33 stone steps. This staircase is inspired by a local folk legend that states “the gate of heaven opens on the third day of the third month,” symbolizing that climbing these 33 steps leads to a new phase in life. Arriving at the main hall of Guan Yu Temple, visitors encounter statues of Guan Yu, his sons Guan Ping and Guan Xing. In the statues, Guan Yu is depicted wearing a Han-style headscarf and robe, with his left hand stroking his beard and his right hand raised in a gesture of respect.
On the massive plaque at the front of the main hall, the full text of Chen Shou’s “Records of the Three Kingdoms: Biography of Guan Yu” is engraved in official script, offering an opportunity for those interested to delve into the historical accounts. On the second floor of the main hall, a bronze statue of Guan Yu is displayed, accompanied by a sand table illustrating the life and journeys of Guan Yu, allowing visitors to trace his footsteps throughout his military campaigns.
Other notable structures within the scenic area include the Hall of Harmony, Hall of Sincerity, Unarmored Hill Stone Stele, Standing Statue of Guan Yu, and the Buddhist Hall. Each of these buildings contributes to the immersive experience, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of Guan Yu’s legacy and the historical and cultural significance associated with the temple.
