zhang fei temple

opposite to the yunyang town, the magnificent zhangfeitemple 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 peachgarden 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.