[Video provided to goshanxi.com.cn]

The five-episode international documentary series Tales of Guan Yu premiered on Dec 22. The series traces Guan Yu's transformation from a historical figure into a revered icon. It delves into the core values of loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and courage that Guan Yu embodies, vividly showcasing the spiritual essence of Chinese civilization.

The first episode, "The Way of Spring and Autumn" (Chunqiu Zhidao), highlights how Guan Yu – also known as Guan Gong who is a legendary figure from the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) – connects the world through the universal values of loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and courage. 

Over 300 years ago, his image appeared on European maps. Today, Canadian diplomats collect blue-and-white porcelain statues of him, and even foreign youths participate in the annual rite of passage at the Guan Yu Temple in Yuncheng. Guan Yu culture has transcended its Shanxi origins to become a shared spiritual symbol worldwide.