Wuhou Shrine

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Chengdu Wuhou Shrine is the place where temples commemorate heroes of the Shu Han such as Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. It originated in the first year of Zhangwu (221 AD) of Emperor Zhaolie of the Shu Han when Liu Bei's Huiling Tomb was built. The Han Zhaolie Temple was also constructed at the same time as Huiling Tomb. Around 500 AD during the Southern and Northern Dynasties period, Wuhou Shrine was relocated from "Shaocheng" in Chengdu to the side of Huiling Tomb and Han Zhaolie Temple. This layout lasted until the Ming Dynasty. In the 23rd year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1390 AD), Zhu Chun, the King Xian of Shu in the Ming Dynasty, paid a visit to Wuhou Shrine. On the grounds of "rulers and ministers should be integrated", he combined Huiling Tomb, Han Zhaolie Temple and Wuhou Shrine into one. Since Zhuge Liang had a greater influence in the minds of the common people than Liu Bei, it was customarily called "Wuhou Shrine" by the folk. The cultural relic area of Chengdu Wuhou Shrine is mainly composed of Huiling Tomb, Han Zhaolie Temple, Wuhou Shrine and Sanyi Temple. The main building is Wuhou Shrine. Wuhou Shrine is divided into the main gate, the second gate, Liu Bei's Hall, the passage hall, Zhuge Liang's Hall, Sanyi Temple, etc., which are arranged on a central axis from south to north. There are 50 statues of heroes of the Shu Han such as Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang enshrined in the shrine. There are also numerous steles, horizontal inscribed boards and so on about Zhuge Liang and the culture of the Three Kingdoms in this area. The famous "Red Wall and Bamboo Shadows" in Chengdu is located within the scenic area. Remember to take photos! The garden area of Wuhou Shrine is located on the west side of Wuhou Shrine. There are buildings such as the stone memorial archway gate, the three - arched gate, the square pavilion, the Jiansin Hall and the tomb chamber in this area. It is the only cemetery complex in the northern style in the southwest region. Wuhou Shrine is adjacent to Jinli (Jinli Folk Custom Area), and you can visit them together.

1. Why Visit Wuhou Temple?

A living tribute to Zhuge Liang, the legendary strategist of Three Kingdoms, blending history, culture, and architectural grandeur.

Wuhou Temple stands as a timeless ode to Zhuge Liang, whose wisdom and loyalty shaped Chinese history. You'll be immersed in serene gardens, vibrant red walls, and artifacts spanning 1,800 years. As a visitor, you'll gain unique insights into China’s Three Kingdoms era—a pivotal chapter celebrated in literature and folklore.

2. Historical Background and Stories

a. History of Wuhou Temple

Built in 223 AD, Wuhou Temple honors Zhuge Liang, posthumously titled Marquis Wu (“Wuhou”), a military strategist and statesman. The title reflects his unmatched contributions to the Shu Han kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period.

b. Stories of Zhuge Liang

From alliances to ingenuity, explore Zhuge Liang’s legendary mind.

Oath of the Peach Garden: Zhuge Liang masterminded the alliance between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, cementing Shu Han’s rise.
Straw Boats Borrow Arrows: Outnumbered, he tricked Cao Cao’s army into “donating” arrows using fog and straw-filled boats.
Empty Fort Strategy: With no soldiers, he scared off invaders by playing a lute calmly atop a city gate.
Wooden Oxen and Gliding Horses: His mechanical transport inventions revolutionized wartime logistics.
Five Zhang Plains Starfall: His death marked by a falling star symbolizes his enduring legacy.

Wuhou Temple preserves these tales through statues, carvings, and exhibitions, embodying his strategic genius.

3. Tour Routes & Highlights

a. Layout and Route (2–3 hours)

Start at the Red Wall Gate, proceed to Zhuge Liang Hall, explore the Three Kingdoms Culture Exhibition, and end at Hui Tomb.

b. Top Attractions

Red Wall Path

Instagram’s favorite backdrop with poetic charm.

This crimson corridor, shaded by bamboo, glows golden at sunrise. Pro tip: Arrive by 7:30 AM for crowd-free photos.

Zhuge Liang Hall

Awe-inspiring statues and storytelling murals.

The central statue of Zhuge Liang, flanked by his son and grandson, radiates authority. Check the inscribed “Table of Master Chu” detailing his life.

Three Kingdoms Artifacts Gallery

Unlock ancient warfare secrets.

Interactive displays showcase replica weapons and battle maps. Don’t miss the replica “wooden ox”!

Hui Tomb (Liu Bei’s Mausoleum)

Walk with emperors and scholars.

A tranquil park surrounds the tomb of Shu Han’s founder. Look for stone statues of officials lining the path.

4. Unique Experiences

a. Special Exhibitions

Check rotating exhibits via official website.

b. Cultural Activities

Spring Festival Temple Fair: Join lantern displays, opera performances, and祈福 (prayer rituals) in January/February.
Write a Wish Plaque: Hang wooden wishes at Zhuge Liang Hall (¥20).

c. Immersive Cultural Day Trip

History + Food + Folklore:

Morning: Wuhou Temple → Du Fu Thatched Cottage (3km, taxi 10min).
Lunch: Jinli Ancient Street (adjacent to temple) for spicy dumplings and Sichuan opera mask souvenirs.
Afternoon: Sichuan Opera Tea House (1km, walk 15min) for face-changing performances.

5. Accommodation & Transportation

a. Chengdu Hotels Near Wuhou Temple

Luxury: The Temple House (¥1,500+/night, 10-min walk) – next to Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li shopping.
Mid-range: Jinjiang Inn (¥400–600/night, 8-min walk) – metro access and Jinli Street proximity.
Budget: 7 Days Inn (¥200–300/night, 15-min walk) – budget-friendly with bus links.

b. Transportation Guide

Metro: Line 3 to Gaoshengqiao Station (Exit D, 10min walk).
Bus: Lines 1, 57, 82, or 334 to Wuhouci stop.
Taxi/Rideshare: Show “武侯祠” to drivers; ~¥15 from downtown.

6. Travel Tips

a. Tickets

Book online via Ctrip 1–3 days ahead. Peak seasons: May holidays, October Golden Week.
Tickets can also be purchased directly at the shrine’s entrance counters.
Accepted payment: Cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, or bank cards.

b. Attire & Gear

Wear comfy shoes; shaded areas are limited. Carry a hat and water in summer.

c. Practical Info

Avoid crowds: Visit weekdays or after 3 PM.
QR Code Audio Guide: Scan codes at exhibit signs for English narration.
Toilets: Near Zhuge Liang Hall and Hui Tomb.

7. FAQs

a. History

Q: Who is “Wuhou”?

A: Zhuge Liang’s posthumous title, meaning “Marquis of Military Excellence.”

b. Opening Hours

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (May–Oct); 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Nov–Apr).

c. Ticket Prices

Adults: ¥50 (standard fee).
Discounts: Half-price for seniors (60+ with ID), students (with valid ID), and children (1.3m–1.5m tall).
Free entry: Children under 1.3m, disabled visitors, and veterans (with certificates).

d. Guides

Electronic guides: ¥30–50.
Human guides: ¥100–200 (1–2 hours).

e. Dos & Don’ts

Do not touch artifacts. Respect prayer areas.

f. Nearby Attractions

Du Fu Thatched Cottage (2km, 10-min drive): Tang-dynasty poet’s home.
Chengdu Panda Base (30km, 1-hr drive): See giant pandas.
Jinsha Site Museum (12km, 30-min drive): 3,000-year-old relics.
Kuanzhai Alley (8km, 25-min drive): Qing-dynasty architecture.
Qingyang Temple (7km, 20-min drive): Taoist temple.

Recommended Route: Wuhou Temple → Du Fu Cottage → Jinli Street → Jinsha Museum.

g. Nearby Food & Shopping

Jinli Street (0km): Chengdu snacks like dan dan noodles.
Chunxi Road (6km, metro Line 3): Trendy malls.
Yulin Life Square (4km, taxi): Hotpot galore.
Wuhou Tiaoshui Market (1km): Antiques and teaware.
Taikoo Li (7km, metro Line 2): Luxury brands.

h. Photo Spots

Red Wall: Central corridor near the entrance.
Zhuge Liang Statue: Backlit by morning sun.

8. Final Words

Step into Three Kingdoms lore at China’s most iconic Zhuge Liang shrine.
Capture, learn, and savor – a cultural gem awaits in Chengdu’s heart.