The Pointing Generals' Platform and Pama Hill

The Pointing Generals' Platform and Pama Hill

Located 4 kilometers northwest of the urban area in Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, at Huayuan Village outside the west gate of the ancient city of Jingzhou, this is a tourist attraction that combines historical culture with natural scenery. The Pointing Generals' Platform was originally a simple earthen mound hastily built before battle, standing 10 meters high and covering an area of over ten acres. Legend has it that Guan Yu built this high platform before his northern campaign against Cao Ren to review his troops, appoint commanders, and train soldiers. To the northeast of the Pointing Generals' Platform lies another small hill no more than ten meters high, called Pama Hill, which served as the site where Guan Yu practiced mounted drills before heading north. Though not striking in appearance, the Pointing Generals' Platform and Pama Hill have achieved enduring fame and vitality due to their association with Guan Yu. Today, the Jiangtai Middle School and Pama Village outside the west gate of the ancient city both take their names from these sites. Throughout history, the Pointing Generals' Platform has been a cherished Three Kingdoms landmark for visitors. The Qing Dynasty poet Tang Youzeng once visited the site, drew inspiration, and composed the touching poem “Jiangling’s Pointing Generals' Platform”: “The terrain is treacherous, the Chu River wide—since ancient times, taking Jingzhou has never been easy. Mock not those hundred-step warriors who claim martial glory, for they differ from district commanders leading elite troops. The Cloud Terrace specially equipped the imperial guard, the Jade Terrace now sees the general ascend. Do you recognize these steeds and brave men? In peaceful times, governance still relies on strong military might.” In December 1986, a founding marshal personally inscribed the plaque reading “Pointing Generals' Platform.”

Ticket Price

Ticket: 5 RMB

Transportation Tips

Located at Huayuan Village outside the west gate of Jingzhou City

Guan Yu (162?–220), of Han ethnicity, was born during the Yanxi era of Emperor Huan of the Eastern Han Dynasty. His courtesy name was Yunchang, originally Changsheng, and he was a native of Xieliang in Hedong (present-day Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province). A renowned general of the Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, he held the title of General of the Vanguard, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Hanshou Ting, and was a celebrated military strategist. After his death, he was revered by the people and honored by successive dynasties, eventually being worshipped as the Divine Lord Guan, known in Buddhism as Sangharama Bodhisattva, and respectfully called “Lord Guan.” Later rulers revered Guan Yu as the “Martial Saint,” placing him on par with Confucius, the “Civil Saint.”

Following Liu Bei

Guan Yu's original courtesy name was Changsheng, later changed to Yunchang. In his early years, he fled his hometown after getting into trouble and went to You… More details about Guan Yu++