Guan Yu and Zhong Kui are two protector figures often seen in homes, shops, and temples. Guan Yu is a deified historical general, honoured for loyalty and courage. Zhong Kui is a legendary demon-queller. Both are placed to guard a space, a role some households link with keeping out sha chi, but customs differ by family, trade, and region, so treat the guidance below as a starting point.
Who Guan Yu is
Guan Yu, also called Guan Gong, was a military commander of the late Han dynasty who was later deified. He is widely honoured for loyalty, righteousness, and courage. He is easy to recognise by his red face, long beard, and green robe, and he is often shown with a long blade.
Because of these qualities, many shop owners and traders keep a Guan Yu figure at a counter or near the entrance, and some families turn to him for protection. In some Buddhist temples he also stands as a guardian beside Kwan Yin.
Who Zhong Kui is
Zhong Kui is a legendary figure associated with driving out demons. According to a popular legend, he was a scholar whose life ended after a failed examination, and an emperor later made him a demon-queller. He is usually shown as a fierce, bearded figure. Some families display his image near the front door, and his image is often seen around the Dragon Boat Festival.
Placing a Guan Yu figure
- At a business. Many people place Guan Yu at a counter or entrance where staff and customers can see him.
- At home. A higher shelf or a family altar is common. Keep him away from bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Above the floor. Use a clean, stable base at a respectful height.
- With a simple offering. Some people add a cup of tea or a piece of fruit, replaced regularly.
Placing a Zhong Kui figure
- Near the door. Many families place Zhong Kui at a doorway, where he can guard the threshold.
- As a painting or print. Paper prints and paintings are common, especially around the Dragon Boat Festival.
- Away from the bedroom and bathroom. These are the usual rooms to avoid for any protector figure.
Keeping protectors apart from other figures
Guan Yu is a warrior figure, while Kwan Yin is associated with compassion. Some households keep them on separate altars. Yet in many temples Guan Yu appears as a protector beside Kwan Yin, so there is no single rule. If you honour both, separate altars are the simplest way to give each figure its own respect. The Kwan Yin placement guide covers how to arrange a compassion altar.
Is Guan Yu still worshipped?
Yes. Guan Yu remains widely worshipped in China, in Taiwan, and in Chinese communities abroad. He is honoured in temples and is common in shops and business premises.
The short version
- Guan Yu stands for loyalty and courage, and is often placed at a business counter or on a home altar.
- Zhong Kui is a demon-queller, often placed near the front door.
- Give each figure a clean, respectful spot, and keep warrior figures separate from compassion figures if you honour both.