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
- Vlog about 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.
Vlog about 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.
