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It is said that Guanlin Town is the place where the head of Guan Yu, a famous general of the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period, was buried. The most famous attraction in the town is Guanlin.
Guanlin Town is located in the southern suburbs of Luoyang City. It is adjacent to the Luojie Expressway to the east, the Luoyang Administrative and Cultural Center to the west, the Longmen Grottoes to the south, and the Sui and Tang Luoyang City Ruins, a national key cultural relic protection unit, to the north. It is a nationally famous historical and cultural town.
Guanlin Temple, located at the eastern end of Guanlin South Road in Guanlin Town, is the only ancient structure in my country that combines tomb, temple, and forest as a single sanctuary. Built in 1592, the temple was partially expanded during the Qing Dynasty, with most of the remaining structures dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The Guanlin Temple was constructed in the style of a palace, boasting a rigorous and imposing layout. A stage stands in front of the temple, and the central axis includes the main gate, ceremonial gate, corridor, worship hall, main hall, second hall, third hall, stone memorial archway, forest stele pavilion, and Guan's tomb.
Guanlin Town has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate (semi-humid). Its terrain is a dustpan-shaped open basin, high in the northwest and low in the southeast. Spring is dry and windy, summer is hot and rainy, autumn has a large temperature difference between day and night, and winter is cold with little rain or snow, making it a suitable season for travel.
Guanlin Temple, etc.
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Open all day
Guanlin Town is historically significant as the burial site of Guan Yu, a famous general from the Three Kingdoms period in China. The Guanlin Temple, which houses his tomb, is an important cultural and historical landmark, attracting visitors who wish to pay tribute to the legendary hero.
Guanlin Town is located in the western part of Luoyang, Henan Province. It can be reached by taxi, bus, or private car from the city center. The town is not directly accessible by metro, but there are convenient bus routes that connect the area to central Luoyang.
The Guanlin Temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.
The entrance fee is around 50-60 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance, and it is also possible to buy them online through local travel platforms.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but during peak tourist seasons or festivals, it is recommended to book a few days ahead to avoid long queues.
Visiting the Guanlin Temple and museum usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you plan to stroll around the gardens and surrounding areas, you may need another hour.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides are offered in both Chinese and English. It’s recommended to check at the entrance for availability.
The best viewpoints for photography are near the Guan Yu tomb, the temple's main hall, and the peaceful gardens. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photos.
Night visits or light shows are not typically available. However, special events may be held during major Chinese holidays or festivals, such as the Lantern Festival.
The temple is busiest during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, especially in the off-season months.
There are public toilets available, as well as small shops selling souvenirs and snacks. Rest areas are scattered throughout the temple grounds for visitors to relax.
The temple grounds are generally accessible, though there are some areas with stairs. Wheelchairs may be available on request, but some parts of the temple may be difficult to access for visitors with mobility issues.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Credit cards are also accepted at some locations, such as ticket counters and souvenir shops.
There are several local restaurants and small cafés near the Guanlin Temple, offering traditional Chinese food. Nearby eateries serve regional dishes and are ideal for a meal after visiting the temple.
Vegetarian options are available at most restaurants around the area. However, halal food options may be limited, so it’s best to check with local restaurants in advance.
There are several hotels near Guanlin Town, ranging from budget options to more luxurious stays. Recommended options include the Luoyang Grand Hotel and budget guesthouses within a 15-minute drive from the temple.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the entrance of the temple. Common items include replicas of Guan Yu statues, traditional Chinese crafts, and local snacks.
