Chongqing - Completing the first Yangtze International Chinese Costume Art Competition held in Yunyang from September 28-30, ten international students from SISU became promotional ambassadors for the county after picking up excellence awards for their on-stage performance.

Following the event, the students from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Togo, and DR Congo visited famous scenic spots to learn more about the millennia of history and culture in Yunyang Chongqing, Southwest China, such as Zhang Fei Temple nearby, where the competition was held.

Overseas students from Sichuan International Studies University pose for a group photograph in front of the iconic Zhang Fei Temple in Yunyang County dressed in traditional Chinese costume (Photograph/Official Event Album)

Zhangfei Temple was built during the Three Kingdoms period more than 1,800 years ago and is home to a collection of inscriptions, calligraphy, and paintings dating from past dynasties. Following an impressive relocation from an area now submerged by the Three Gorges Reservoir, the Temple sat majestically upon a hill overlooking the Yangtze River, which resembles a three-dimensional freehand painting. This awe-inspiring sight prompted the overseas students to take countless photographs with their mobile phones.

Inside the scenic area, their tour guide explained how Zhang Fei stationed his army in modern-day Langzhong in Sichuan for seven years and that following his assassination at the hands of two subordinates, legend says his body was buried in Langzhong county, while his head was hidden in Yunyang. In later years, the temple became an object of worship in awe of his legacy. 

Russian students regard Zhang Fei as an idol

As the overseas students walked from the cultural relics exhibition to the sculpture hall inside the tree-lined grounds, An Dong from Russia stopped before a statue depicting the famous opening scene from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, also known as the Oath of the Peach Garden. The tour guide explained that Zhang Fei saw righteousness toward fellow brothers and loyalty to one's country as the most important virtues for the Chinese nation.

After touring Zhang Fei Temple and the collection of steles and calligraphy inside, the overseas students felt inspired to experience writing calligraphy and decorating fans (Photograph/Official Event Album)

An Dong confessed that he regarded Zhang Fei as an idol and embarked on learning Chinese based on the history and culture embodied in the Three Kingdoms. Now, righteousness has become a motto in life, and he wishes that younger generations from China and overseas can foster strength and loyalty through experiencing this culture.

The temple has numerous stele inscriptions, woodcut calligraphy, and ancient paintings. Among prominent examples are the Second Memorial to the Throne on his Expedition, written by the ancient general Zhu Geliang and inscribed by Yue Fei, the Jingxi Travel Notes composed by Northern Song Dynasty poet Su Shi, and couplets made by Zheng Banqiao. 

These historical relics amazed the overseas students, including Steven Nganga from DR Congo dressed in warrior robes dating from the Three Kingdoms, who were then inspired to pick up writing brushes and experience the passion behind ink calligraphy for themselves. 

Finally, on learning that Yunyang is set to cooperate with Chengdu and Langzhong to build a Three Kingdoms cultural circle based on the heritage of Zhang Fei Temple, the new promotional officers enthusiastically determined they would promote this internationally to attract more tourists worldwide to Yunyang County.