Shenyang Guan Yu Ancient Temple

Shenyang Guan Yu Ancient Temple

Shenyang Ertaizi Guan Yu Ancient Temple Huguo Temple (Guan Yu Temple) is located in Ertaizi Village, Qianjin Township, Dongling District, Shenyang City. According to the *Shenyang County Annals*, "the Shenyang North Ertaizi Guan Yu Ancient Temple is eight li from the city and was built during the Tang Dynasty," covering an area of 3,318 square meters. The Guan Yu Ancient Temple is situated on a hillside, featuring uniquely styled temple architecture, shaded by green trees, serene and quiet, with a somewhat mysterious atmosphere. The *Shengjing Tongzhi* also refers to it as "the renowned Guan Yu Temple at North Ertaizi in the city." Since its construction during the Tang Dynasty, the temple has been repaired and expanded by successive dynasties. Before the Cultural Revolution, the ancient site remained largely intact but was demolished during that period.

In order to unearth this historical and cultural landscape and restore its original appearance to the people of Shenyang, with approval from relevant municipal departments, the project was jointly developed by the organizing bodies: the People's Government of Qianjin Township, Dongling District, Shenyang City; Shenyang Ertaizi Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial United Company; and Liaoning Dazong Tourism Development Co., Ltd. The development involved restoration on the existing foundation along with expansion.

The main structure of the Guan Yu Ancient Temple has currently been completed. However, due to changes in investors and issues involving religious activities, the project has now been suspended midway and has not yet formed a complete tourist attraction.

The completed Guan Yu Temple Scenic Area has a clear layout. Upon entering through the grand and imposing archway, one finds eighteen uniquely sculpted Arhat statues lining both sides of the central pathway. Ahead lies a 52-meter-long antique-style white marble balustrade stone arch bridge. To the right is a spacious parking lot, while to the left is a natural pine forest landscape. Standing on the bridge and looking to the right, one can see a waterfall cascading down the mountainside. A clear stream flows under the bridge southward into the Liberation Pond filled with lotus flowers (where two liberation ceremonies are held each year). Next to the pond is a tranquil wellness center. Continuing forward and rounding the beautiful mountain, one can see the statue of Guan Yu standing with his horse and saber. To the right lies the ancient and magnificently built Guan Yu Temple. The first courtyard features a main hall with seven bays, nearly fifteen meters high, flanked by four-bay side halls on the east and west. Behind the main hall is the Chunqiu Pavilion, with three-bay monk rooms in each corner. The entire architectural complex is elegant and ingeniously designed.

The central position of the main hall houses a seated statue of Guan Yu, which is an ink-wash sculpture and differs from the red-faced depictions found in other temples. On both sides are sculptures of various deities.