Zhang Fei’s Stronghold in Shangqiu

Zhang Fei’s Stronghold in Shangqiu

Introduction:

The western peak of Mangdang Mountain, locally referred to as Zhang Fei’s Stronghold, has both inner and outer fortress walls constructed along the natural shape of the mountain using blue stone. The outer wall stands 0.5 to 1 meter high at its southern section, is around 1 meter wide, extends roughly 250 meters from north to south, and has a perimeter of 900 meters. The inner wall is about 40 meters long from north to south and 25 meters wide from east to west, with a perimeter of 130 meters. On the western side of the outer wall lies “Zhang Fei’s Horse-Drinking Spring,” believed to be the spot where Zhang Fei watered his horse. The spring is circular, with a diameter of 4.5 meters.

Henan, Shangqiu

Zhang Fei (c. ?–221), courtesy name Yide, also known as Yide, was a native of Taocun in Zhuojun County, Zhuo Commandery (present-day Zhongyidian in Zhuozhou City) during the Eastern Han Dynasty. In his early years, he formed a deep bond with Liu Bei and Guan Yu, and the three swore an oath of brotherhood in Zhuo, later famously known as the “Oath of the Peach Garden.” In the late Eastern Han period, Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, and Liu Bei gathered local militias and raised troops in Zhuojun, participating in the suppression of the Yellow Turban Rebellion. In the 12th year of the Jian’an era (207), Liu Bei sought refuge under Liu Biao in Jingzhou. When Cao Cao launched a campaign to take Jingzhou, Liu Bei was defeated and fled to Xiakou, and later to Changban Slope in Dangyang. There, Cao’s forces scattered Liu Bei’s army, and Zhang Fei, with just 20 men, held the rearguard. Seeing the enemy approach, he stood astride his horse at the bridge, brandishing his sword and blocking the advance of Cao’s troops… More details about Zhang Fei ++