Yìchéng

Yicheng lies where the hills of southern Shanxi meet the Fen and Hui river valleys. Its villages preserve a lively tradition of theatre performed before temples. At Fandian, a temple to the deified general Guan Yu was founded in 1505, with a stage facing the main hall across the courtyard. Its upturned eaves and graceful roof made the stage a local landmark. The temple was repaired in 1831, long after its Ming builders had completed the original hall and stage.