Cultural ToursWuhou Temple is located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. It has been accumulated for thousands of years. As a three-dimensional history book of the Three Kingdoms, it still depicts the history to the world and invites every tourist from all over the world to start Sichuan tourism.
I. Historical Origin
Originally a specialty temple constructed to memorialize Zhuge Liang. In the early Ming Dynasty, during the process of rebuilding it, Wuhou Temple became incorporated into the “Han Zhaolie Temple” and therefore a special national model of monarch-minister veneration. The temple was devastated by war during the late Ming Dynasty.
The largest building that we can see nowadays was rebuilt on the same site in 1672. With many repairs and expansions throughout the centuries, Wuhou Temple finally took on the appearance that we can admire today. Additionally, it is the most powerful Three Kingdoms relic museum worldwide and has been officially declared a national key cultural relic protection unit, a national first-class museum, etc.
II. Architectural Features
There is a regular design at the Wuhou Temple. Along the north-south central axis, the main buildings, including the main gate, the second gate, Liu Bei Hall, and Wuhou Hall, are arranged in an orderly sequence. Liu Bei’s tomb and buildings related to tombs are situated to the west, and subsidiary buildings and garden scenic spots are on both sides of the axis.
It embodies the palace architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Gray-blue stone-carved walls of the temple, followed by red brick and wooden structures. Roofs covered in curved glazed tiles, with delicately painted and decorated images, making the environment graceful and solemn. Walking around the temple, there is a sense of history that is palpable, allowing people to be amazed at the fine workmanship of the craftsmen of a bygone era.
III. Main attractions
1. Three Wonders Monument
In 809, the governor of Jiannan Xichuan, Wu Yuanheng, came to visit Wuhou Temple. He saw that there was no stele for inscribing Zhuge Liang’s merits and virtues in the temple, and thus he ordered Pei Du to inscribe. Pei Du composed it while full of emotions and with literary flair, Liu Gongchuo inscribed it with solidity, and Lu Jian perfected the engraving art. The three of them constructed the legendary “Three Wonders Monument.” The precious relic is not only a treasure of the Wuhou Temple Museum, but also a very ancient existing cultural relic of Chengdu.
2. Han Zhaolie Temple
In the central hall, there is a three-meter-tall standing portrait of Liu Bei, gilded from head to foot and holding in his hand a jade tablet. At his sides stand attendants holding in their hands an imperial seal and a Shangfang sword. They symbolize together the hierarchical relationship between the ruler and the subjects.
On the east and west side halls, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and their descendants are worshipped. The statues symbolize unchanging loyalty and righteousness that existed between the monarch and the minister during those periods.
3. Wuhou Temple
The interior of the huge temple has a seated statue of Zhuge Liang. Wearing a turban and a crane cloak, he holds a feather fan and radiates elegance and wisdom. Two attendants stand on either side of him, one grasping a military book and the other a sword. The tourists cannot help but be reminded of Zhuge Liang’s loyalty to the Shu Han government all his life as they gaze upon this scene.
IV. Cultural Value
As one of the major bearers of Three Kingdoms culture, Wuhou Temple has remained rich in historical content. It contains valuable material resources for studying the politics, militaristic strategies, economy, and culture of the Three Kingdoms. Everything at the temple nicely presents the historic features and characters of the Shu-Han dynasty.
This culture is a precious piece of Chinese traditional culture. Its loyalty, wisdom, and courage have inspired generations of Chinese. Wuhou Temple also vigorously promotes the Three Kingdoms culture through the media of activity, exhibition, and research programs, and revives this cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Wuhou Temple not only saw history unfold but is itself a cultural heritage. With its own distinct flavor, it draws hundreds and thousands of visitors to seek the secret of the Three Kingdoms culture.
Can’t wait to start your Sichuan journey? Based on our rich experience as a reliable Chengdu travel agency, we know everything about the inside information of Wuhou Temple. We have an experienced guiding team to provide you with a profound introduction to Three Kingdoms culture and around-the-clock service to help you enjoy your trip experience with ease. Let’s start an unforgettable trip!
