Exploring Chengdu’s Wuhou Shrine: A Journey Through Time

I’m Michael Zhang, a passionate traveler with a deep love for history and culture. My years of globetrotting have enriched me with vast knowledge, especially in exploring historical landmarks and cultural treasures around the world. In this article, I invite you to join me on a journey to Chengdu’s Wuhou Shrine, where we’ll delve into its rich historical and cultural essence.

Introduction to Wuhou Shrine

Nestled in the heart of Chengdu, the Wuhou Shrine Museum spans an impressive 150,000 square meters. Established during the reign of Emperor Wen of Wei in the early third century, it stands as the only temple in China that commemorates the monarch and his ministers from the Shu Han dynasty, including heroes like Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. Recognized as a AAAA national tourist attraction, Wuhou Shrine is not only a monumental site in Chinese history but also the world’s most influential museum dedicated to the Three Kingdoms era.

• Location: 231 Wuhouci Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Ticket sales stop at 5:00 PM)
• Recommended Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
• Best Seasons to Visit: All year round
• Admission: General ticket 50 RMB per person, half-price ticket 25 RMB

Wuhou Shrine Map

Why Visit Wuhou Shrine?

Wuhou Shrine was originally constructed to honor Zhuge Liang, the Chancellor of the Shu Han state during the Three Kingdoms period. Unique in its dedication, the shrine also venerates Emperor Liu Bei, reflecting Zhuge Liang’s esteemed status within the kingdom. Established in 221 AD, the temple initially served as a commemorative site solely for Zhuge Liang but was later transformed to honor both the ruler and his ministers collectively.

The complex is not just a sanctuary; it houses the tombs of Zhuge Liang and the tomb complex of Liu Bei, known as Hui Ling. Liu Bei, as the founder of the Shu Kingdom, has his final resting place here, making it a significant site for those studying the era’s rich history. The shrine also includes a museum that showcases a vast collection of historical artifacts and documents, offering visitors a deeper insight into the period of the Three Kingdoms.

Things to Do at Wuhou Shrine

Main Attractions

Han Zhao Lie Temple

The Han Zhao Lie Temple, a quintessential courtyard complex, features a grand main hall with a single-eave hip-and-gable roof, stretching across seven bays and extending four bays deep. Inside, a majestic three-meter-tall statue of Liu Bei commands respect and reverence. The temple gates and flanking galleries of civil and military officials enhance the solemn and venerable atmosphere, making the temple a spectacle of ancient dignity.

Wuhou Shrine

The Wuhou Shrine complex is formed around a series of structures including the main hall, east and west wing rooms, bell tower, drum tower, and the Zhuge Liang Hall. This architectural ensemble features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof, five bays wide and two bays deep. Inside, a statue of Zhuge Liang, cast during the eleventh year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign, pays homage to the famed strategist of the Three Kingdoms period.

Hui Ling (Liu Bei’s Tomb)

Located to the east of Wuhou Shrine, Hui Ling comprises a screen wall, gate, spirit way, offering hall, and a burial mound that stands 12 meters high and measures 180 meters around, enclosed by a grey brick wall. This tomb, shared with his wives Lady Gan and Lady Wu, serves not only as a resting place but also as a pivotal site for understanding the history of the Three Kingdoms.

Sanyi Temple

Constructed in the early years of Emperor Kangxi’s reign by Sichuan governor Zheng Jiaolin, Sanyi Temple occupies 569 square meters and venerates Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. The temple not only commemorates these three legendary figures but also symbolizes their unbreakable brotherly bonds and esteemed status among the people.

Wuhou Shrine Ticket Guide

Ticket Prices

• Adults: 50 RMB
• Children: 25 RMB (ages 6-18)
• Free admission for seniors over 60 years old and children under 6
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Ticket sales stop at 5:00 PM)

Ticket Purchase Options

• Online: WeChat public account or online booking platforms.
• Onsite: Ticket booths at the venue.

Guided Tours at Wuhou Shrine

Wuhou Shrine offers guided tour services available at the reception desk.

• Human-guided Tours
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Supported languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean
  • Cost:
    • Chinese: 50 RMB per person for groups of 1-3; 40 RMB per person for groups of 4 or more
    • English, Japanese, and Korean: 70 RMB per person for groups of 1-3; 60 RMB per person for groups of 4 or more
• Audio Guides
  • Supported languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and German
  • Cost: 30 RMB

Recommended Tour Routes at Wuhou Shrine

Choose from three recommended tour routes, depending on the time available:

• Two-hour Route: Han Zhao Lie Temple -> Tang Stele -> Civil Officials Gallery -> Military Generals Gallery -> Liu Bei Hall -> Zhuge Liang Hall -> Sanyi Temple -> Kongming Garden -> Hui Ling -> Red Wall Pathway -> Exit
• Three-hour Route: Han Zhao Lie Temple -> Tang Stele -> Civil Officials Gallery -> Military Generals Gallery -> Liu Bei Hall -> Zhuge Liang Hall -> Sanyi Temple -> Kongming Garden -> Hui Ling -> Red Wall Pathway -> Jinli Ancient Street
• Four-hour Route: Han Zhao Lie Temple -> Tang Stele -> Civil Officials Gallery -> Military Generals Gallery -> Liu Bei Hall -> Zhuge Liang Hall -> Sanyi Temple -> Kongming Garden -> Hui Ling -> Red Wall Pathway -> Middle Gate -> Jingzhong Gate -> Sifang Pavilion -> Wuhou Shrine Art Museum -> Liu Xiang’s Tomb -> Jinli Ancient Street

Recommended Dining Near Wuhou Shrine

• Rongyuan Restaurant
  • Why We Recommend It: Just a short walk from Wuhou Shrine, Rongyuan has been serving the community for decades. This restaurant offers a home-style Sichuan cuisine experience with fresh ingredients and traditional flavors. Recommended dishes include red pepper beef strips, spicy mandarin fish, and stir-fried pork throat.
  • Address: No.10-2 Shuhan Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Average Cost: 85 RMB per person
• Yueman Dajiang Qiancengdu Hot Pot (Wuhou Shrine Branch)
  • Why We Recommend It: Located just a 10-minute walk from Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Street, this restaurant has been serving authentic Sichuan hot pot for over 12 years. The quality of the food is exceptional, with fresh ingredients and excellent service. The restaurant features Sichuan tea service and “face-changing” performances in the evening, adding a unique cultural experience to your meal.
  • Address: 1st Floor, Home Inn, 8 Tongci Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Average Cost: 148 RMB per person

Recommended Hotels Near Wuhou Shrinea

Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Hilton Garden Inn

• Why We Recommend It: Just a short walk from Wuhou Shrine, this chain hotel is excellently located and offers a great environment. The rooms are compact but very comfortable. Conveniently, the Gaoshengqiao subway station on Line 3 is right below the hotel.
• Price per Night: 500 RMB
• More Information and Booking: Click here to view

Chengdu Jinli Wuhou Shrine Mercure Hotel

• Why We Recommend It: Quiet and clean, this upscale hotel is particularly suitable for families with young children, offering a more comfortable stay. Delicious local cuisine, including hotpot and various Sichuan specialties like wontons, dan dan noodles, and mixed sauce noodles, is available right downstairs.
• Price per Night: 330 RMB
• More Information and Booking: Click here to view

How to Get to Wuhou Shrine from Downtown Chengdu

Subway

Taking the subway is the most convenient way to reach Wuhou Shrine. Travelers should take Line 3 to “Gaoshengqiao” Upon exiting the station, follow the signs for a direct walk to Wuhou Shrine, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Bus

Chengdu has several bus routes that provide direct access to Wuhou Shrine. You can take bus number 1, 57, or a rapid transit bus to “Wuhou Shrine” stop and then walk a few minutes to reach the shrine.

Taxi/Ride-sharing

Taxis or ride-sharing services offer another convenient option. From downtown Chengdu, simply set your destination to “Wuhou Shrine.” Depending on traffic, the drive usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

How to Get to Wuhou Shrine from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

Subway

To travel from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to Wuhou Shrine by subway, first take the airport line to “Tianfu Square Station.” Then, transfer to Line 1 and go to “Provincial Sports Stadium Station,” followed by a change to Line 3 to “Gaoshengqiao” The total journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Airport Bus

Taking an airport bus is a cost-effective option. From Tianfu Airport, take airport bus line 1 to “Renmin South Road Section 4,” then switch to a bus or walk to Wuhou Shrine, which typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Taxi/Ride-sharing

Taking a taxi or ride-sharing service directly from Tianfu Airport to Wuhou Shrine is the fastest option, especially suitable for those with large luggage. The trip generally lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour.

FAQ

Is Wuhou Shrine accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?

Wuhou Shrine is very friendly to visitors with strollers and wheelchairs. Most major sights and facilities can be accessed via flat paths.

Where can I store luggage?

Yes, there is free luggage storage available at the Visitor Service Center.