Wu Hou Shrine (Memorial Temple of Marquis Wu)

Wu Hou Shrine (Memorial Temple of Marquis Wu) is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the Martial Marquis of Shu in the Three Kingdoms Period.

Zhuge Liang was the personification of noble character and intelligence. Memorial architectures erected in many places after his death include a famous one in Chendu.

Located in the south suburb of Chengdu, the temple covers 37,000 square meters (398,277 square feet). The date of its establishment is unclear, only that it was built next to the temple of Liu Bei, the emperor of Shu. It was combined with the Temple of Liu Bei at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty; consequently, the entrance plaque reads ‘Zhaolie Temple of Han Dynasty’ (Zhaolie is the posthumous title of Liu Bei). The current temple was rebuilt in 1672. Surrounded by old cypresses and classical red walls, it evokes nostalgia.

The main body of the temple is divided into five sections, the Gate, the second Gate, the Hall of Liu Bei, the corridor, and the Hall of Zhuge Liang, all of which run south to north. Inside, clay sculptures of Shu Emperor and ministers stand together, making them a special feature.

The most valuable cultural relic here is the stele set up in 809. This huge stele 367-centimeter (144-inch) high and 95-centimeter (37-inch) wide is called the Triple-Success Stele. The three successes are: an article written by Pei Du, a famous minister of the Tang Dynasty who served four emperors in succession, calligraphy by Liu Gongquan, one of the most brilliant calligraphers in Chinese history, and a statement about the morality and achievements of Zhuge Liang.

His great personality, his dedicated service to others, and his outstanding intelligence place Zhuge Liang above all emperors, generals, and ministers in history. A visit to the temple illuminates his status with the Chinese people.

Travel Tip: Tourists can buy the entrance ticket for the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project at the ticket windows of the Wuhou Shrine. It costs CNY 90 per person. Holding the entrance tickets, the tourists can take free bus from Wuhou Shrine to Dujiangyan Scenic Area. The schedules are as follows:

Wuhou Shrine to Dujiangyan Irrigation Project Scenic Area: 09:00, 10:00

Neighboring Attraction: Jinli Street

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