Zhao Yun Temple in Zhengding

Zhao Yun Temple in Zhengding

Zhao Yun Temple in Zhengding is a national AA-level tourist attraction and a cultural relic protection unit of Zhengding County.

Zhao Yun Temple is located within the county seat of Zhengding and officially opened to the public in 1997. Zhao Yun, courtesy name Zilong, was a native of Changshan Zhending (present-day Zhengding), a renowned general of the Three Kingdoms period, and was known as the “Ever-Victorious General.” The temple is grand in scale, covering an area of 12 mu with a total construction area of 1,500 square meters. Designed in the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the temple is divided into an inner courtyard and an outer courtyard. Its main structures include the temple gate, the Hall of the Four Righteousnesses, the Hall of the Five Tigers, the Hall of Sovereign and Ministers, and the Hall of Marquis Shunping. It largely preserves and enriches the historical character of the original temple and complements nearby famous attractions such as Longxing Temple and Rongguo Mansion. Zhao Yun Temple provides a place for both domestic and international visitors, as well as descendants of Zhao Yun overseas, to pay tribute, reflect, and sightsee.

According to the “Records of the Three Kingdoms: Book of Shu: Biographies of Guan, Zhang, Ma, Huang, and Zhao,” it is stated: “Zhao Yun, courtesy name Zilong, was a native of Zhending in Changshan.” Liu Bei, the founding emperor, praised Zhao Yun for having courage throughout his entire being. He is widely known as the Ever-Victorious General. When discussing the Three Kingdoms, no one fails to mention the story of Zhao Yun’s rescue of A’dou on the Battle of Changban Slope. His heroism is known to all, even women and children, and the people from his hometown take pride in him. Later generations revered him as a deity, built temples in his honor, and kept the incense burning strong.

In 1996, the People's Government of Zhengding County invested heavily in demolishing and rebuilding the old temple, which was then reopened to the public. The rebuilt temple covers an area of over 20 mu, featuring an ancient design and a majestic presence. Its main structures include the temple gate, the Hall of the Four Righteousnesses, the Hall of the Five Tigers, the Hall of Sovereign and Ministers, and the Hall of Marquis Shunping. The main halls are aligned along the central axis, flanked by auxiliary halls on either side, creating an open, generous, neat, and symmetrical layout. Further enhanced by engraved stone tablets, flowers, and trees, the overall atmosphere is solemn and elegant. Currently displayed items such as the Zhao Yun Hometown Stele and Zhao Yun’s Horse-Watering Trough are original relics preserved in the temple. Some ancient weapons and pottery pieces are unearthed relics from Zhengding. Other exhibits, such as the Wooden Ox and Flowing Horse, and the Red Cliff Heavenly Script, are all related to stories from the Three Kingdoms. Zhao Yun Temple is a national AA-level tourist attraction, neighboring world-famous sites such as Longxing Temple and Rongguo Mansion. The attractions complement each other beautifully.

Zhao Yun (d. 229), courtesy name Zilong, was a native of Changshan Zhending (present-day Zhengding, Hebei Province). Standing eight chi tall with a majestic appearance, he was a famous general of the Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period.

During the chaos of warlord conflicts in the late Han Dynasty, Zhao Yun was recommended by his local commandery and joined the forces of the “White Horse General” Gongsun Zan with a volunteer troop. During this time, he became acquainted with Liu Bei, a member of the Han imperial family. However, not long after, Zhao Yun left due to the death of his elder brother. Around seven years after parting with Gongsun Zan, Zhao Yun met Liu Bei in Ye City and from then on followed him.

Zhao Yun served Liu Bei for nearly 30 years, participating in battles such as the Battle of Bowang Slope, the Battle of Changban Slope, and the campaign to pacify the south. … More detailed information about Zhao Yun ++