Three-day festival celebrates Guangong's lasting heritage

Performers wearing historical costumes and portraying Three Kingdoms generals, including Guan Yu, took the stage during the opening event. The event also featured dancing, singing, orchestral performances, and traditional Chinese operas.

At the opening ceremony, organizers unveiled a series of Guan Yu-themed bronze figurines created in collaboration with an inheritor of the bronze sculpture intangible cultural heritage.

The festival featured a Guangong culture forum, a calligraphy and photography exhibition, a short video contest, a wrestling competition, the launch of a digital art touring exhibition on Guangong culture, and other activities combining cultural tourism and sports.

"Having been passed down and developed for more than 1,800 years, Guangong culture has transcended regional and ethnic boundaries to become a spiritual bond that strengthens the emotional and cultural identity of Chinese people at home and abroad," said Chu Xianghao, Party secretary of Yuncheng city, in his speech.

He added that the city will use the Guangong Cultural Tourism Festival as an opportunity to continue strengthening the systematic protection of Guangong cultural heritage.

Yuncheng boasts several hundred Guandi temples from various dynasties, and features diverse architectural styles and sculptures. The temples range from grand ancestral shrines to village shrines, reflecting Guangong culture's enduring influence.