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Zhang Fei Temple
Opposite to the Yunyang town, the magnificent Zhang Fei
Temple with glazed tile and red walls perches on the Flying Phoenix
Hill on the southern bank of the river. As to commemorate General
Zhang Fei - one of the three sworn blood brothers of the state of Shu
during the Three Kingdoms Period, (the other two were Liu Bei and Guan
Yu), the temple is a famous historical sites along the Yangtze River.
Zhang Fei was noted for his loyalty to friends and his
bravery. He met Liubei and Guanyu and became sworn brothers at the
Peach Garden and vowed to combine their strengths and efforts to
restore peace and order to the country. In 221, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei's
sworn brother, died in the battle with the State of Wu. The Tiger
General swore revenge and prepared to attack Wu with his army arrayed.
He ordered Commanders Zhang Da and Fan Jiang to lead the attack and
avenge his brother, under pain of death. The two pusillanimous
officers cut off Zhang Fei's head, intending to surrender to Wu.
However, they heard of a peace settlement between the States of Wu and
Shu, and threw Zhang Fei's head into the river. Legend has it that
Zhang Fei appeared in a fisherman's dream and made a request to rescue
his head and bury it in Shu. The fisherman obeyed, and accidentally
found a jar of gold when he tried to Then he buried the head on Flying
Phoenix Hill and built up the temple was built to commemorate the bold
general by the gold he found.
Due to the flood of 1870, most of the present dates
from the late 19th century and has been extensively restored in the
last few years. In front of the main hall are giant statues of the
three famous sworn blood brothers-Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.
Inside the hall sits the wild-eyed, red-faced Guan Yu; on either side
are scenes from his life. The Helpful Wind Pavilion, built 850 years
ago, contains steles and huge portraits of the general and his wife.
It is said that his spirit, in the form of a helpful wind, frequently
assisted passing boats. Junkmen used to stop at the temple to light
firecrackers and burn incense in appreciation. Rich collections of
paintings, tablets and inscriptions earn it high praises. Moreover,
the serial bells of Western Zhou Dynasty, bronze sword of Eastern Zhou
in the hall are most interesting. Exhibition of pottery, bronze,
porcelain and jade carvings witness the ages. It is well worth a 2 to
4 hour visit.
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