Statue of Guān Yǔ (關羽/关羽) To Be Unveiled
According to the “People’s Daily Online,” the scaffolding is coming down after construction of a 58-meter statue of Guān Yǔ (關羽/关羽) in Jǐnzhōu (錦州/锦州), a city in northeast China. One of the most popular generals in history, Guān Yǔ was an important figure in the events that led to the Three Empires (Kingdoms) period.
As the Hàn dynasty gradually fell apart around the year 200 CE, three warlords gradually split control of China: Cáo Cāo (曹操) in the north, Liú Bèi (劉備/刘备) in the west and Sūn Quán (孫權/孙权) in the south (southeast). In terms of the right to rule, Cáo Cāo held the capital and had the blessing of the emperor, while Liú Bèi claimed the right to lead the empire as a descendant of an earlier emperor.
After a series of events, Guān Yǔ found himself serving Cáo Cāo but his heart remained with his earlier leader, Liú Bèi. Sensing this, Cáo Cāo sought to persuade Guān Yǔ to stay with gifts, but eventually Guān Yǔ left anyway, leaving the gifts behind; Cáo Cāo, understanding the general’s sense of loyalty, allowed him to leave. (Though Cáo Cāo is generally portrayed as cruel, this episode shows he had a strong moral sense.)
At the Battle of Chángbǎn (長坂之戰/长坂之战 chángbǎn zhī zhàn) in 208, Guān Yǔ led several hundred ships down the Hàn River and arrived at battle in time to prevent Cáo Cāo from overcoming Liú Bèi. This encounter led to a strategic alliance between Liú Bèi and Sūn Quán whereby they successfully held off Cáo Cāo at the famous Battle of Red Cliffs (赤壁之戰/赤壁之戰 chìbì zhīzhàn) that took place later that year.
There are many other stories about Guān Yǔ, some probably true and others clearly fiction, but regardless, he remains a popular figure to this day as evidenced by this new statue, one of many throughout China. He is even worshipped as a god and considered by some to be a boddhisatva. Read more about Guān Yǔ on Wikipedia.
