Guanlin Temple dates back to the year 1596 in the later half of the Ming Dynasty, and has an interesting—albeit gruesome—story attached to it. Legend has it that Guan Yu, whose tale is perfectly hyperbolized in the famed Romance of Three Kingdoms (author: Luo Guanzhong), led many a battle and offered allegiances with several neighboring warlords, playing one against the other. When his tactics were finally discovered, Guan Yu was ambushed and beheaded. His severed head was sent to Caocao, one of the warlords for whom Guan had worked. Guan Yu had made such an impression on Caocao, that he built Guanlin Temple and buried the head with honor inside, and bestowed upon him the posthumous title of Marquis Zhuangmou.

Guan Yu is now regarded by many Chinese as the God of War and many temples built in his honor can be found about the country and indeed the world. Guanlin Temple now has a collection of more than 2000 steles and a number of stone carved lions, while several of the inner walls feature murals depicting significant events in Guan Yu's life. The temple is quite large and also has a well stocked art gallery with most pieces related to Guan Yu and his exploits—both factual and fictional.

Buses 15, 42, 55, 58, 69 and 81 make stops at the temple. Or grab a cab, it shouldn't cost more than about RMB 20 from just about anywhere in Luoyang.