The Wuhou Memorial Temple (武侯祠, Wuhou Shrine) in Chengdu is a historic site dedicated to commemorating the heroes of the Shu Han kingdom, including Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. Its origins date back to Zhaolie Temple (a temple dedicated to Liu Bei, posthumously known as Zhaolie) built in the year 221, alongside the Hui Ling Mausoleum (also for Liu Bei).
Around 500 years ago, during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the Wuhou Memorial Temple was relocated from Chengdu’s “Shaocheng” to the area beside Hui Ling Maosoleum and Zhaolie Temple, a layout that persisted into the Ming Dynasty. In 1390, Zhu Chun, the Duke of Xian of the Shu Kingdom, merged Hui Ling Mausoleum, Han Zhaolie Temple, and Wuhou Memorial Temple into a single entity. Due to Zhuge Liang’s influence in the eyes of the common people surpassing that of Liu Bei, it became popularly known as “Wuhou Memorial Temple.”
Covering an expansive area of 150,000 square meters, the Wuhou Memorial Temple serves as a tangible expression of public affirmation and admiration for the spirit of Zhuge Liang, who is remembered for his dedication and sacrifice as the Prime Minister of Shu Han. It stands as a significant relic from the Three Kingdoms period, comprising four main sections: the Han Zhaolie Temple, Wuhou Memorial Temple, Hui Ling Mausoleum, and Sanyi Temple. Within the temple, there are 50 statues honoring Shu Han heroes like Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. The area also features numerous inscriptions, plaques, and other artifacts related to Zhuge Liang and the culture of the Three Kingdoms. The Wuhou Memorial Temple stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of these historical figures and the rich cultural heritage of the Three Kingdoms era.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Wuhou Memorial Temple
- Map and Recommended Route
- Vlog about Wuhou Memorial Temple
- Photography Spots and Tips
- History of Wuhou Memorial Temple
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions Near Wuhou temple
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.wuhouci.net.cn/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 50 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 17.00 |
Location and Transportation
Wuhou Memorial Temple is located in the Wuhou District of Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province in southwestern China. The full address of the temple is No. 231 Wuhouci Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. It is easily accessible by public transportation such as buses and taxis.
Bus: Take bus 1, 57, 77, 82, 334, 335, or 1126 and get off at Wuhou Memorial Temple (武侯祠).
Subway: Take subway line 3 or 5, get off at Gaosheng Bridge Station (高升桥站), get out from Exit D, and walk about 500 meters to the east to reach the temple.
Highlights of Wuhou Memorial Temple
The Hall of Zhuge Liang
The Hall of Zhuge Liang is a traditional temple structure covering 1588 square meters. With a spacious and grand design, the hall has a width of 5 bays, a depth of 2 bays, and a rectangular layout. Elevated terrain enhances the solemnity of the hall. Inside, the statue of Zhuge Liang is enshrined in a niche, beneath the inscription “静远堂,” reflecting Zhuge Liang’s lifelong ideals. Flanking the statue are two attendants, one holding military books and the other a precious sword. On either side of Zhuge Liang’s image stand sculptures of his son, Zhuge Zhan, and grandson, Zhuge Shang.
The Hall of Liu Bei
The Hall of Liu Bei, spanning seven bays in width and four bays in depth, is a prominent structure within the Wuhou Memorial Temple. Above the entrance, a monumental plaque bears the inscription “明良千古” ( wise emperor and loyal official, the model for two millenniums), penned by Wu Ying, the Sichuan Provincial Commander during the Qing Kangxi era. Inside the hall, the focal point is the towering seated statue of Liu Bei, the largest in the entire Wuhou Memorial Temple. Standing at 3 meters, the gilded statue is a majestic representation. The accompanying tablet bears Liu Bei’s posthumous title, “Emperor Han Zhaolie,” reflecting the hierarchical principles of reverence between ruler and subject.
Cultural Relics
The Wuhou Memorial Temple houses numerous ancient cultural relics. Among them is the “Wuhou Temple Stele” created by Wu Yuanheng in the fourth year of the Yuanhe era (809 AD), expressing profound admiration for Zhuge Liang and serving as an inspiration for future generations. Zhao Fan’s couplet, crafted in the twenty-eighth year of the Qing Guangxu era (1902), succinctly summarizes Zhuge Liang’s lifetime achievements. Additionally, there are Ming dynasty artifacts like the cloud-patterned double-handled tripod. These relics collectively contribute to the rich historical and cultural tapestry within the Wuhou Memorial Temple, offering a glimpse into the enduring legacy of the Three Kingdoms era.
Map and Recommended Route
Main Gate: Start your visit by entering through the main gate of Wuhou Memorial Temple.
Tang Stele (Right): On the right side, you will see the Tang Stele, an important historical monument.
Ming Stele (Left): On the left, you will find the Ming Stele, another significant historical artifact.
Martial General Corridor / “Former Expedition Memorial” (Left): Continue left to visit the Martial General Corridor, where you can see the “Former Expedition Memorial.”
Civil Official Corridor / “Later Expedition Memorial” (Right): Head to the right to explore the Civil Official Corridor, featuring the “Later Expedition Memorial.”
Liu Bei’s Main Hall: Proceed to the main hall dedicated to Liu Bei, with Zhang Fei Hall on the left and Guan Yu Hall on the right.
Passage Hall: Walk through the passage hall, where you’ll see the Wuhou Temple plaque.
Zhuge Liang’s Main Hall: Visit the main hall dedicated to Zhuge Liang, where you’ll find the famous “Conquering Hearts” couplet.
Three Virtues Temple: Explore the Three Virtues Temple.
Peach Garden: Stroll through the Peach Garden.
Joy God Square: Continue your visit at the Joy God Square.
“Eternal Excellence of the Ming Dynasty” Exhibition (Permanent Exhibition): Visit the permanent exhibition showcasing the Ming Dynasty’s greatness.
Kongming Garden: Walk through the serene Kongming Garden.
Red Wall Pathway: Experience the iconic Red Wall Pathway.
Huiling Mausoleum: Visit the Huiling Mausoleum.
Middle Gate: Proceed through the Middle Gate.
South Suburb Park: Continue your visit to the South Suburb Park.
West District Gate: Exit through the West District Gate.
Jinli Street: End your visit with a stroll through the vibrant Jinli Street.
Vlog about Wuhou Memorial Temple
Photography Spots and Tips
Photography Spots:
Bamboo Grove and Red Wall Pathway: Capture the serene atmosphere of the pathway flanked by bamboo groves and red walls on either side of the Huiling Mausoleum.
Red Door Frame in the Bamboo Grove: The striking red door frame set against the bamboo grove offers a perfect spot for a dramatic shot.
Arched Gate of the Pavilion in South Suburb Park: The archway of the pavilion’s gate in South Suburb Park makes for a picturesque backdrop.
Stone Bridge on the East Side of the Lake: The stone bridge located on the east side of the lake, west of the main gate of Wuhou Temple, provides a beautiful reflection shot.
Photography Tips:
Clothing: Opt for outfits in black, white, modern Chinese styles, or qipaos with uniform colors. These choices contrast beautifully with the red walls, making your photos stand out.
Props: Consider bringing small props like fans or sunglasses. These can add a natural and dynamic element to your photos.
Exploration: There are many hidden gems for photography within Wuhou Temple, such as the red square door near the main entrance and the area in front of Zhuge Liang’s Hall. Explore as you go and snap pictures along the way!
History of Wuhou Memorial Temple
Wuhou Memorial Temple, located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, is a significant historical and cultural site dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the revered military strategist and statesman of the Shu Han state during the Three Kingdoms period. Its history stretches back nearly 1,800 years, marked by various phases of construction, destruction, and restoration.
The temple’s origins can be traced to 221 AD, the first year of Emperor Zhangwu of Shu Han. It was during this time that the Huiling Mausoleum and the Temple of Liu Bei, known as Han Zhaolie Temple, were initially constructed. These structures were erected to honor Liu Bei, the founding emperor of Shu Han, and later, Zhuge Liang was also venerated in the same area.
The Wuhou Memorial Temple itself was first established during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period (420-589 AD). It was built in the same region as the Huiling Mausoleum and Han Zhaolie Temple, forming a unified complex dedicated to the key figures of Shu Han. This connection between the temple and the mausoleum reflects the deep respect held for both Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang in Chinese history and culture.
In 1391, during the 24th year of the Hongwu reign in the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Chun, the King of Shu Xian, undertook a comprehensive renovation and integration of the Wuhou Temple and Han Zhaolie Temple. This project involved moving the statue of Zhuge Liang to the east side of Liu Bei’s statue within the Han Zhaolie Temple. The statues of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were placed on the west side. Additionally, local officials in Sichuan also decided to enshrine Liu Chan, Liu Bei’s son, Zhuge Zhan, Zhuge Liang’s son, and Fu Qian, a loyal general who died defending Shu Han. This renovation was significant in consolidating the legacy of these historical figures and reinforcing the temple’s importance as a site of cultural heritage.
The Qing Dynasty saw further restorations of the Wuhou Temple. In 1671, during the 10th year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, Cai Yurong, the Governor-General of Sichuan and Huguang, initiated the restoration of the temple. With the joint efforts of officials like Song Kefan, Luo Sen, Zhang Hanhui, and Jin Jun, the temple was successfully restored under Song Kefan’s supervision. The following year, the restoration was completed, further solidifying the temple’s status as a significant cultural landmark.
In 1695, more repairs were undertaken by Yu Yangzhi, the Governor of Sichuan, who replaced decayed beams and pillars and reinforced collapsing walls. These efforts were essential in preserving the structural integrity of the temple.
However, in 1784, the Sanyi Temple, a part of the Wuhou Temple complex, was destroyed by a fire caused by incense burning. The temple was rebuilt in 1787 under the orders of Li Shijie, the Governor of Sichuan. Subsequent renovations in 1825, led by Liu Yuan, involved removing statues of less historically verifiable figures and adding stone plaques that provided brief descriptions of the deeds of the main historical figures based on the records in The Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou.
The Republic of China era also saw efforts to preserve the temple. In 1922, Liu Chengxun, the temporary commander of the Sichuan Army, led a fundraising campaign to restore the temple, adding an inscription to the main gate to emphasize his connection to Liu Bei’s lineage.
After 1949, the temple was taken over by the Chinese government and opened to the public as a historic site. In the 1950s, Wuhou Temple was temporarily merged with the adjacent South Suburb Park, a memorial park for Liu Xiang, a Sichuan warlord who fought against the Japanese invasion.
In 1984, the Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Museum was established on the site of the temple. The area of the temple was expanded in 1997, and in 1998, the Sanyi Temple was relocated from Tidu Street to the Wuhou Temple.
In 2008, the temple was damaged by the Wenchuan earthquake, but it has since been repaired. Most recently, on June 28, 2022, eight Qing Dynasty stele inscriptions were discovered in the Zhuge Liang Hall, further enriching the historical significance of Wuhou Memorial Temple.
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Luggage Storage and Visitor Center Location:
There is a fee for luggage storage, and if you don’t rent a locker, you can leave your luggage in the corner of the visitor center.
The visitor center is located outside the scenic area. Avoid entering the temple before finding the luggage storage, as it might be challenging to locate it once inside. Some visitors recommend placing luggage in the corner of the visitor center.
Scenic Area and Ticketing:
The Wuhou Memorial Temple has both paid and free sections. Upon purchasing a ticket, make sure to enter through the correct entrance. The entrance to the paid area is located next to the visitor center on the south side.
The non-cultural relics area outside the temple is beautiful, and it’s less crowded, offering a peaceful experience.
Photography Opportunities:
The red walls and pathways inside Wuhou Memorial Temple are highly picturesque. It is advised to visit early to take advantage of better lighting conditions for photography.
New Exhibition in 2022:
In 2022, Wuhou Memorial Temple introduced a new permanent exhibition called “明良千古展” (Eternal Exhibition of Ming Liang). This exhibition focuses on the stories of Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, providing an excellent portrayal of their narratives. It is considered one of the best character-themed exhibitions in Chengdu.
