Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine

“Wu Hou” refers to Zhuge Liang, who was an outstanding politician, military strategist, inventor, and writer in ancient China.

The Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine (武侯祠) was established in 221 AD, originally dedicated to commemorating Zhuge Liang. Over time, it evolved into a shrine honoring both the monarch and his ministers, becoming an important site for remembering heroes of the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period, including Emperor Liu Bei and Prime Minister Zhuge Liang. The Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine (武 侯 祠) is not only a symbol of Three Kingdoms culture but also the only shrine in China dedicated to both a monarch and his minister. “Wuhou” refers to Zhuge Liang, who was an outstanding politician, military strategist, inventor, and writer in ancient China.

Inside the shrine, there are many historical artifacts and memorials that showcase the history and culture of the Three Kingdoms period. Additionally, the Chengdu Wuhou Shrine (武侯祠) hosts various cultural activities, such as performances themed around the Three Kingdoms and innovative interactive experiences related to intangible cultural heritage, attracting many visitors to explore and engage.

Visitors are exploring Chengdu Wu hou Shrine, one of the attractions in Chengdu.

Table of Contents

Highlights of the Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine

General Corridor & Civil Official Corridor (Chinese name: 武将廊&文臣廊)

The General Corridor at the Chengdu Wuhou Temple honors fourteen military generals from the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period, including Zhao Yun, Sun Qian, Zhang Yi, Ma Chao, Wang Ping, Jiang Wei, Huang Zhong, Liao Hua, Xiang Chong, Fu Qian, Ma Zhong, Zhang Yi, Zhang Nan, and Feng Xi.

Located to the east of the General Corridor, the Civil Official Corridor features statues of fourteen civil officials, led by Pang Tong, also known as “Feng Chou.” The figures include Pang Tong, Jian Yong, Lu Kai, Fu Rong, Fei Yi, Dong He, Deng Zhi, Chen Zhen, Jiang Wan, Dong Yun, Qin Mi, Yang Hong, Ma Liang, and Cheng Ji.

The General Corridor & Civil Official Corridor inside Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine, one of the attractions in Chengdu.

Liu Bei Hall (刘备正殿)

In the center of Liu Bei Hall, there is a gilded statue of Liu Bei, approximately 3 meters tall. The statue depicts him wearing an imperial crown and a golden dragon robe. Throughout his life, Liu Bei fought across much of China, enduring many hardships, and ultimately established the Shu Kingdom with the assistance of Zhuge Liang.

Liu Bei Hall at Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine, one of the Chengdu attractions.

Zhuge Liang Hall (诸葛亮正殿)

In Zhuge Liang Hall, there are statues of Zhuge Liang and his three generations. On either side of Zhuge Liang’s statue are figures of his son, Zhuge Zhan, and his grandson, Zhuge Shang.

Zhuge Liang Hall at Chengdu Wuhou Shrine, one of the Chengdu attractions.

San Yi Temple (三义庙)

The name of San Yi Temple is derived from the story of the “Oath of the Peach Garden,” symbolizing the deep friendship among Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. Inside the main hall, there are clay statues of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, with Liu Bei’s statue standing 2.8 meters tall and those of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei at 2.6 meters. In the worship hall, black marble relief carvings depict scenes from the “Oath of the Peach Garden” and “The Three Heroes Fight Lu Bu.”

San Yi Temple at Chengdu Wuhou Shrine, one of the Chengdu attractions.

Peach Blossom Garden (桃花园)

The Peach Blossom Garden boasts beautiful scenery with a variety of elements, including flowers, trees, intricate carvings, gentle streams, lotus ponds, red goldfish, and pavilions. The story of the “Oath of the Peach Garden” is a famous tale from the classic Chinese literature, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, depicting Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei swearing brotherhood in a peach orchard. The garden at the Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine recreates this historical scene with three modern sculptures representing the three men during their oath-taking. These sculptures are made from three different colors of stone, symbolizing friendship among different cultures.

Peach Blossom Garden at Wuhou Temple Chengdu, one of the Chengdu attractions.

Mingliang Qian Gu Exhibition (明良千古展)

The Mingliang Qian Gu Exhibition is a permanent exhibition at the Chengdu Wuhou Shrine, which took eight years to prepare. This exhibition fills a gap in China, as it is the first special exhibition dedicated to the historical figures of Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. Through the display of artifacts, it outlines the extraordinary era of heroes during the Three Kingdoms period and highlights the legendary lives of Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang.

Mingliang Qian Gu Exhibition at Wuhou Temple Chengdu, one of the Chengdu attractions.

Kongming Garden (孔明苑)

Kongming Garden is a landscaped courtyard dedicated to commemorating Zhuge Liang. The design features a typical “Shu Kingdom” style, with artificial hills, lush trees, and serene pathways, adorned with large flags bearing the character “Shu.” The garden showcases various exhibits related to Zhuge Liang, including replicas of Zhuge’s camp, Zhuge drums, and Kongming locks, allowing visitors to appreciate the rich heritage associated with this legendary figure.

Kongming Garden at Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine, one of the Chengdu attractions.

Red Wall Corridor (红墙夹道)

The Red Wall Corridor at the Wuhou Temple is a popular spot in Chengdu, especially loved by photographers and tourists. This corridor is not only part of the shrine but also a symbol of Three Kingdoms culture. It has witnessed the rise and fall of the Shu Han dynasty and embodies the wisdom and loyalty of Zhuge Liang. The design of the corridor is clever, with tall green bamboos flanking the high walls, creating a harmonious beauty that blends history with nature.

Red Wall Corridor at Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine, one of the Chengdu attractions.

Huiling Tomb (惠陵)

Huiling is the joint tomb of Liu Bei and his wives, Lady Gan and Lady Wu. Liu Bei passed away in 223 AD in Baidi City and was later transported back to Chengdu for burial, making it the only royal tomb from the Three Kingdoms period. The architecture of Huiling includes a screen wall, mountain gate, spirit path, and main hall, covering an area of 2,000 square meters.

Huiling Tomb at Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine, one of the Chengdu attractions.

Nanjiao Park (南郊公园)

Nanjiao Park was originally the burial site of General Liu Xiang, who fought against the Japanese. Although it began as a cemetery, the overall architectural style of the park is spacious and grand. The park features red walls, green tiles, small bridges over flowing water, lakes with arched bridges, long corridors, and pavilions, all creating a charming and elegant atmosphere. Additionally, there is a senior instrumental choir performing in the corridors, while elderly visitors relax by the lakeside pavilions, adding to the park’s vibrant community life.

Nanjiao Park at Chengdu Wuhou Shrine, one of the Chengdu attractions.

Q&A About the Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine

1. What was the Three Kingdoms period?

The Three Kingdoms period was a time of division and rivalry in Chinese history, roughly spanning from 220 AD to 280 AD. This era was characterized by three main powers: Wei, Shu, and Wu. Wei was the most powerful of the three, controlling a large portion of the Central Plains. Shu was founded by Liu Bei, with its capital in Chengdu, and primarily governed the Sichuan Basin. Wu, established by Sun Quan, mainly dominated the southern regions along the Yangtze River.

2. Who was Zhuge Liang?

The term “Wu Hou” in Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine refers to Zhuge Liang. He was the Prime Minister of the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period. As Prime Minister, he was the highest administrative official in the state, assisting the ruler with important national affairs, similar to a modern-day Prime Minister. His responsibilities included managing state affairs, supervising officials, and formulating policies.

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Hours and Fees

Hours

  • Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM.

Admission

  • 50 CNY per person.

How to Get to the Chengdu Wuhou Shrine

By Bus

  • To get to the Chengdu Wuhou Shrine by bus, you can take routes 1, 334, 335, 57, or 82.

By Subway

  • To reach the Wuhou Temple Chengdu, you can take either Line 3 or Line 5 of the subway, which intersect at Gaoshengqiao Station. After exiting from Gate A or Gate C, it’s about a 1-kilometer walk to the shrine.

How Visitors Rate the Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine

Local tourists from China

I visited Wuhou Shrine during the off-peak tourist season in Cheng Du. I was surprised to hear from the tour guide that the shrine sees even more visitors than the Forbidden City! Even though it was the off-season, there were still a lot of tourists around. Wuhou Shrine is a site rich in Chinese historical significance.
I bought my ticket and hired a guide for about two hours, which was a good decision. The guide started by sharing the story of Zhuge Liang at the entrance, then moved on to explain the Tang inscriptions and other stone tablets in the area. After that, we saw the statues of military generals and civil officials, and finally, we visited Liu Bei's tomb, which is over two thousand years old. Without a guide, if you’re not familiar with the Three Kingdoms, you might find it a bit overwhelming. Right outside the Wuhou Shrine is Jinli Street, a bustling shopping area.
Cih
This is my fourth time in Chengdu, but it’s my first visit to Wuhou Shrine, so now I’ve covered all the attractions in the city! This place is a paradise for Three Kingdoms enthusiasts. It’s like a museum with a lovely environment, tall trees, and beautiful lotus ponds. The red walls are a great spot for photos, and there were a lot of people there. It’s really nice, but I think one visit is enough.
Starmama
The environment at Wuhou Shrine is quite nice, with lush greenery, little bridges, and flowing water, plus the popular red wall for photos. There are also several themed halls, like the hall for military generals, the Liu-Guanzhang friendship hall, and a special hall for Zhuge Liang, showcasing these well-known historical figures. Since the area isn’t too large, two hours is enough to explore. If you get tired, you can stroll over to the nearby Jinli Ancient Street to relax. Overall, it’s definitely worth a visit!
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