Eight kilometers south of the city Luoyang, Guanlin Temple, also called "General Guan's Tomb", is a place where the head of Guan Yu was buried. Guan Yu was a famous general of the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms Period. It was said that after Sun Quan, the king of Wu Kingdom, killed Guanyu, he put Guan's head in a box and sent it to Luoyang in an attempt to blame the murder on Cao Cao, the king of Wei Kingdom. Cao Cao saw through Sun's trap and was not fooled. He held a ceremonious burial for Guan and buried the head with a carved wooden body to the south of the city.

Guan Yu became a legendary hero in Chinese folktales because of his bravery and faithfulness. He was also respected as "Wu Sheng (Saint of Cavalier)" by Chinese emperors. Temples were built for him throughout the country and he was honored as a God in China. Portraits or pictures of Guan Yu can be found on the doors of Chinese houses during the Lunar New Year because people believe he protects the home. He is also regarded as mammon by many Chinese merchants.

The construction work of this temple complex began in 1595, during the reign of Ming Emperor Wanli. The complex contains several halls, an octagonal pavilion and Guanyu's tomb. Inside the halls are pictures and statues mainly devoted to the Story of the Three Kingdoms.

The story is one of China's four classic fictions and it depicts the tripartite confrontation of Wei, Shu and Wu kingdoms during the Three Kingdoms Period (220 - 280). More than seventy stone-tablets with calligraphic inscriptions are also found here. A five-meter-high stone stele with inscriptions written by emperors from different dynasties is found in the octagonal pavilion.

The mausoleums of emperors were called Ling, the tombs of marquis or kings were named Zhong and those of holy men such as Confucius or Guan Yu were called Lin, hence the name Guanlin.

From 1994, every year in September,"Luoyang Guanlin International Pilgrimage Grand Ceremony" is held, when assistant fete services are provided by the local government. During the ceremony, Gunalin's burning incense is at height of power and splendor. Guests from many countries gathered here especially for this grand ceremony, comprehending Chinese traditional culture. It is not only the flourishing event for Luoyang civil culture activity, but also an important platform for Luoyang's foreign communication.