General Guan Yu lived during a restless period in Chinese history known as the Three Kingdoms, and was later immortalized in one of China's most famous historical novel. He was eventually turned into a god and is worshipped as thus, especially in southern China.

 Guan's true life stories have now largely be given way to fictionalized ones. Praised and respected for his loyalty and righteousness, small shrines and statues to Guan are almost ubiquitous in traditional Chinese shops and restaurants. 

Aside from the latest statue in Jingzhou, there is another large statue of him in Guan's hometown in the Shanxi province. That one measures 61 meters tall, including a 19-meters-tall pedestal.

Source : CCTV News China

This image released by the Chinese media appears to have been photoshopped over a crimson sky for a dramatic effect. See the white selection patch on the right-bottom corner.