A loyal dog, a mythical ancestor, a king. Here, before the Panhu Memorial Statue, we unravel a tale woven into the very fabric of Yao culture. The Panhu Memorial Statue isn’t just a monument. It’s a portal to a story that explains the origins of the Yao people. It speaks of their deep-rooted connection to Panhu, their revered ancestor.
The story begins with Emperor Ku, whose wife suffered a persistent ear ailment. A tiny golden worm, extracted from her ear, was placed in a gourd. This worm, unbelievably, transformed into a dog-like creature with striking brocade markings. This was Panhu, whose name literally means “plate gourd,” referencing the vessel that held the golden worm. Panhu became a cherished companion of Emperor Ku. His loyalty was soon put to the test when a foreign chief led a rebellion. Emperor Ku offered his daughter’s hand in marriage to anyone who could defeat the rebel leader.
Panhu, brave and loyal, rose to the challenge. He ventured forth and brought back the chief’s head. Emperor Ku, true to his word, bestowed his daughter upon Panhu. After spending six days in a golden bell, Panhu transformed into a man. He was given the title “King of Shibao Palace,” earning him the name Panwang, meaning “King Pan.” However, the allure of royalty didn’t hold him. He and his wife chose a simpler life, moving to Zhongnanshan to hunt and farm. Their children would eventually form the twelve clans of the Yao people.
Tragically, Panwang met an untimely end during a hunting trip, felled by a goat. But his story doesn’t end here. Legend has it that during a devastating drought, his descendants, fleeing their parched lands, were caught in a fierce storm at sea. They prayed to their ancestor, Panwang, for salvation. Their prayers were answered. They reached shore safely on October 16th, which coincided with Panwang’s birthday. This miraculous deliverance became the foundation of the Panwang Festival, a celebration of survival and reverence for their ancestor.
So, as we stand before the Panhu Memorial Statue in Guilin, we’re not simply admiring a sculpture. We’re connecting with the heart of Yao identity, a testament to their enduring bond with a mythical dog-king who continues to watch over them.