KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The Yuncheng Guan Gong Hometown Cultural Tourism Scenic Area in northern China, home to a historic temple complex dedicated to the ancient general Guan Yu, is seeking designation as a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction, China’s highest tourism rating.
Currently rated a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction, the 3.03-square-kilometre scenic area is in Haizhou Town, Yanhu District, Yuncheng. It lies in the Yellow River Golden Triangle region, where Shanxi, Shaanxi and Henan provinces meet.
The site comprises the Guan Yu Cultural Experience Zone and ecological recreation areas around the Wulongyu River and Nüyanchi, or Female Salt Pond. Its Haizhou Guandi Temple is a national-level protected historical and cultural site.
The temple complex, whose origins date back to the Sui Dynasty, follows a symmetrical palace-style layout and includes Duanmen Gate, Chongning Hall and Chunqiu Tower. It is regarded as the earliest-established, largest and best-preserved architectural complex dedicated to Guan Yu in China.
According to a statement, the scenic area is also designated as a Cross-Strait Exchange Base and a China Overseas Chinese International Cultural Exchange Base.
Scenic area general manager, He Jinyang said it is committed to preserving and passing on its cultural heritage in innovative ways, while integrating historic architecture, folk customs and ecological tourism.
He said it aims to become a world-class destination for experiencing Guan Gong culture.
-- BERNAMA