Zhengzhou: The Ancient Battlefield of Guandu
The Ancient Battlefield of Guandu is located in Guanduqiao Village, about 2.5 kilometers northeast of Zhongmu County in Zhengzhou. It is an important historical site of the “Battle of Guandu” during the Three Kingdoms period. The village originally had a Temple to Guan Yu, where a stone tablet from the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era remains. The inscription reads, “Guandu is where Guan Yu resisted Yuan and beheaded enemy generals.” According to the Zhongmu County Annals, there used to be a city here called “Guandu City,” as well as a platform known as “Guandu Platform” or “Cao Gong Platform,” the site where Dong Han’s Cao Cao confronted Yuan Shao. Nearby is “Shui Kui Village,” and about 20 kilometers from Guandu, in Huozhuang, lies “Yuan Shao’s Mound,” said to be the place where Yuan Shao stationed his troops.
The art palace in the tourist area is designed in the style of ancient military tents, featuring a total of 10 tents—large, medium, and small. The artistic displays inside mainly consist of three-dimensional models, supplemented by sculptures and murals. The presentation utilizes modern technologies such as computer remote control, sound, light, electricity, and mechanics to depict scenes. Through 38 story settings, it recreates the full panorama of the “Battle of Guandu,” highlighting elements that are “strange, unique, perilous, and innovative.” On both sides of the palace are horse-riding grounds and archery ranges, while in front of the palace stands a gatehouse styled like a city gate, flanked by strings of lights modeled after ancient military camps and displays of the eighteen types of traditional weapons. The southern gate is formed by weapon models including swords, spears, halberds, axes, and shields. The Battle of Guandu is one of the most famous examples in Chinese history of a weaker force defeating a stronger one and a smaller army triumphing over a larger one. The Ancient Battlefield of Guandu has thus become a must-visit attraction for fans of the Three Kingdoms and military history.