This temple is called Guan Lin (關林) in Chinese. In Chinese culture, for the sake of respect, the tomb of an Emperor is called “Ling” (陵，mausoleum). then the tomb of a Saint is called “Lin” (林，forest). There are only two great man’s tombs named “Lin” in China. One is “Kong Lin (孔林)” for Confucius (the Saint of culture and education), the other is “Guan Lin (關林)” for Guan Yu (the Saint of War). Guan Yu played a significant role in the establishment of Liu Bei's state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD). In Chinese folk religion, Guan Yu is referred to as "Emperor Guan" or “Saint of War”. Emperor Guan’s temples and shrines were widely established across mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and even Korea, Vietnam and Japan. For example, Hsing Tian Kong (行天宮，Guan's Temple) in Taipei is one of the most worshiped temple in Taiwan. In a final battle, Guan Yu was captured by the enemy, and was executed by capitation. His body was buried at Dangyang, Hubei Province (Dangyang Guan Mausoleum), and his head was buried here. Recent archeological investigations suggested that the real place of the tomb of Guan Yu’s head might be at Guan Town (關庄) in the rural area of Luoyang. However, this place is still the largest temple and memorial garden dedicated to Gaunyu.

Guan Yu was executed in 220 CE at the end of the Han dynasty. He was later lionised as a demigod. This mausoleum is billed as the place where his head was interred. The temple figures are bright and beautiful.