 Yunyang is in southern Yunan. It lies on the northern bank of the Changjiang River, hence the name Yunyang, as in Chinese “Yang” means facing south.
The history of salt production in Yunyang dates back to the Qin-Han Period (221 B.C.— 7th A.D.). Salt produced in the area was very popular.
Facing Yunyang on the opposite bank of the Changjiang River stands “Zhangwang” Temple. On its door are written the characters “Jiang Shang Feng Qing” meaning “Cold Breeze on the River”. According to a legend, General Zhang Fei of the Shu Kingdom (Three Kingdoms Period) was assassinated by his two rebel officers and his head was buried there. The“Zhangwang”Temple was erected in his memory early in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Stone carvings of the Southern and Northern Dynasties(420-581) are housed in the temple. |
Zhang Fei ,the ‘Tiger General'of the state of Shu during Three Kingdoms period(AD220-65),is revered as a man who kept this word(see page 42).in 221,Guan Yu ,zhang fei's sworn brother, was killed by the armies of the state of wu. The tiger general, then an offical in LangZhong County swore revenge and prepared to attack Wu with his army arrayed in white armour and pennants-white being the colour of mourning .He ordered Commanders Zhang Da and Fan Jiang to lead the attack and avenge his brother , under pain of death.
The two pusillanimous officers got Zhang Fei drunk and cut off his head. They then fled by boat to Yunyang, intending to surrender to Wu. Here, however, they head of a peace settlement between Wu and Shu, and threw Zhang Fei's head into the river,where it circled a fisherman's boat. Zhang Fei appealed to the fishermen in a dream to rescue his head and bury it in Shu. The fisherman obeyed, and the head was interred on Flying Phoenix Hill. A temple was built to commemorate the bold warrior.
It is said that, before interment, the head was placed in a vat of oil, and when copper cash was thrown into the vat, the head would float up to give advice to the lovelorn and childless.
The temple was partly damaged in the flood of 1870, so most of the present ensemble of building dates from the late 19 th century. It has been extensively restored in the last few years. Sixty percent of the temple's rich collections of paintings, tablets and inscription were lost during the Cultural Revolution. 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 Help Wind Pavilion 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.
The temple stands amid tranquil gardens, waterfalls and pools. |
