Chibi Ancient Battlefield of Three Kingdoms

Chibi Ancient Battlefield of the Three Kingdoms (220 - 280 AD) is where the Battle of Chibi took place. It is one of a few ancient battlefields still remaining in China. The battle field is along the middle reaches of Yangtze River, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Chibi in Xianning City and 160 kilometers (100 miles) southwest of Wuhan City in Hubei Province. 
 

In 208AD, Cao Cao led his army of 260,000 soldiers southward and occupied a large territory. He met the allied force of Sun Quan and Liu Bei in what is now Chibi. Although Sun and Liu only had about 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers in total, they defeated Cao. After, the two forces were at a stalemate on two sides of the Yangtze River. Later, the Sun and Liu side came out an idea. They set fire towards Cao’s army. With the help of southeast wind, the Cao’s army was on fire and severely damaged.  
 

After the Battle, Cao Cao returned to the north and Sun Quan and Liu Bei both took a part of China to the south of the Yangtze River, laying foundation for the forming of Three Kingdoms, respectively Wei Kingdom of Cao Cao, Wu Kingdom of Sun Quan and Shu Kingdom of Liubei. 
 On the riverside cliff of Chibi Mountain, there are two carved characters “Red Cliff” meaning Chibi in Chinese. The characters are both 150 cm (60 inches) long and 104 cm (41 inches) wide. It is said that they were carved by Zhou Yu, a general of Sun Quan, with his sword after they defeated Cao Cao. At that time, the whole area was lit red by fire, so the name “Red Cliff” and the battle is known by people as the Battle of Red Cliff. 
 It is on Chibi Mountain along the Yangtze River. It’s said that it was the command post of Zhou Yu during the Battle of Red Cliff, from which Zhou could overlook the army of Cao Cao. The current pavilion was rebuilt in 1936 in traditional Ming (1368 - 1644 AD) and Qing (1644 - 1911 AD) dynasties style. It is hexagonal, supported by six pillars and with six sharp and unwarping roof corners. 
 This is said to be where Zhu Geliang, the counsellor of Liu Bei prayed for a southeast wind to help Zhou Yu. It is located on the top of Nanping Mountain to the southeast of Chibi Mountain. With an area of 310 square meters (370 square yards), it has two rows of buildings, with the status of big shots involved in the Battle of Red Cliff inside. On its left, there is an exhibition hall displaying ancient weapons and pottery; on the right side is a rest point for tourists. 
 This ginkgo tree with a height of 10 meters (33 feet) is 1,800 years old. It is said that this tree was planted by Pang Tong, also a counsellor of Liu Bei, and it was the only living thing which had witnessed the Battle of Red Cliff.
 This temple is mainly used to worship Guan Yu and there is a big statue of Guan Yu inside. Guan Yu, general of the Kingdom of Shu, is not only a historical hero, but has become an invincible existence for the Chinese people. Guan Yu is the embodiment of justice and righteousness. He can drive away evil spirits; therefore, he is the door god in many places to prevent evil spirits from entering the houses so people worship him to pray for health and peace. Except for these, Guan Yu is also the Mammon in Taoism, therefore, people also worship him for good wealth.

There are also Wuhou Palace, Zhou Yu Stone Statue, Fengchu Temple, Chibi Stele, Chibi Exhibition Hall, Sculpture Garden of Three Kingdoms worth visiting here. 
 

Take a train to Chibi North Railway Station. The train is available from Wuhan, Yueyang, Xianning and many big cities in China. If coming from Wuhan, the duration is about 40 minutes. 

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Then take a taxi to Chibi West Coach Station at about CNY 10. After, take a coach to Ancient Battlefield of Three Kingdoms. The coach departs from 06:00 to 18:30 every 30 minutes; travel time is about 40 minutes and ticket fare is CNY 10.