Guan Yu Equestrian Statue

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Guan Yu (died 220 CE), a legendary general, earned his courtesy name Yunchang while serving under warlord Liu Bei in the late Eastern Han dynasty. Guan Yu played a pivotal role in shaping the events that led to the downfall of the Eastern Han dynasty and the rise of the state of Shu Han, founded by Liu Bei, during the Three Kingdoms period. After Liu Bei seized control of Yi Province in 214 CE, Guan Yu stayed behind in Jing Province to govern and defend the region for about seven years. In 219 CE, while he was away fighting Cao Cao's forces at the Battle of Fancheng, Liu Bei's ally Sun Quan broke the alliance and sent his general Lü Meng to secretly invade and capture Liu Bei's territories in Jing Province. By the time Guan Yu learned of the loss of Jing Province after his defeat at Fancheng, it was too late. He was subsequently ambushed and captured by Sun Quan's forces, ultimately leading to his execution. Guan Yu has become an iconic figure throughout East Asia, with most people knowing him as a historical legend rather than an actual person. His true stories have been largely replaced by fictionalised ones, many of which are found in the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms or passed down through generations. In these tales, Guan Yu's bravery and moral virtues have been immortalised. He is revered as a symbol of loyalty and righteousness. Guan Yu was deified during the Sui dynasty and remains worshipped by many Chinese people today in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and among various overseas Chinese communities. In religious devotion, he is respectfully referred to as the "Divus Guan" (Guāndì) or "Lord Guan" (Guāngōng). He is a revered deity in Chinese folk religion, popular Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese Buddhism. Small shrines dedicated to him can be found almost everywhere in traditional Chinese shops and restaurants. His hometown Yuncheng has even named its airport after him.