Found 7km (4 miles) south of Luoyang is Guan Lin also known as the Temple of Emperor Guan. The term ‘lin’ normally refers to trees and woods, but in this instance means a burial place for a saint or sage. Only the burial grounds of Confucius and Guan Yu share the honor of this term.
Guan Yu was a Shu general from the Three Kingdom
period (220-263AD). The loyal warrior was executed by a rival ruler,
but his head was salvaged by his supporters so that he could be
given a honorable burial on these grounds.
The buildings that make up the temple are beautiful
Ming creations that are richly decorated yet remain tasteful and
elegant. Within the trees and buildings are many monuments honoring
Guan’s life including a 20 meter (67ft) high statue enclosed by
an octagonal red wall, a stele pavilion and beautifully designed
murals telling the story of his life.
