Chengdu, Sichuan Province

Wuhou Shrine

武侯祠History & Culture · Architecture

Zhuge Liang's reputation is so renowned in China that a trip to Chengdu is incomplete without a visit to Wuhou Shrine. Just past the entrance, six stone steles stand amid dense shade. The largest,…

Wuhou Shrine, Chengdu

Key facts

Admission
¥50
Opening hours
9:00—18:00
Time needed
2–3 hours
Guidebook rating
4 / 5

From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 312. Open in Google Maps

About Wuhou Shrine

Zhuge Liang's reputation is so renowned in China that a trip to Chengdu is incomplete without a visit to Wuhou Shrine.

Just past the entrance, six stone steles stand amid dense shade. The largest, erected in the Tang dynasty, is the Stele of the Shrine to Prime Minister Zhuge Wuhou of the Shu Han Kingdom, a monument of great historical value. It is known as the 'Three Perfections Stele' because its text was written by Tang dynasty chancellor Pei Du, its calligraphy was done by the calligrapher Liu Gongquan, and its characters were carved by the master craftsman Lu Jian.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Wuhou Shrine cost?

Admission to Wuhou Shrine is ¥50, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.

What are the opening hours of Wuhou Shrine?

Wuhou Shrine is open 9:00—18:00.

How long should I spend at Wuhou Shrine?

Plan on 2–3 hours for Wuhou Shrine.

Where is Wuhou Shrine?

Wuhou Shrine is in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, in the Southwest of China. No. 231 Wuhou Shrine Street, Wuhou District

More places in Chengdu

Dujiangyan — illustration

Dujiangyan

A great ancient water conservancy project. Thanks to Dujiangyan, the thousands of miles of flat land on the Chengdu Plain and the reputation of the “Land of Abundance” were made possible. It is known as the brilliant pearl of ancient hydraulic engineering.

¥80 · 3–5 hours

Jinli Ancient Street (锦里) — traveller photo

Jinli Ancient Street

Ask a local what the best place to visit in Chengdu is, and you will often hear: 'Jinli, the number one street in West Sichuan!' Adjoining Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street condenses the essence of Chengdu life. Snacks, teahouses, restaurants, courtyard guesthouses and handicrafts can all be found here. Compared with the more 'fashionable' Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli has more bustle, a more down-to-earth and friendly atmosphere, and lower prices. You can also see the large pond and towering ancient trees of Wuhou Shrine. A stream flows alongside the stretch of ancient street next to Wuhou Shrine. When you tire of walking, sit on the flat stones beneath the willows by the water to rest, or lean back in a rattan chair beside a teahouse and sip some tea. It feels a bit like the stream-side villages of Lijiang.

2–3 hours

Jinsha Site Museum (金沙遗址博物馆) — traveller photo

Jinsha Site Museum

A Shang and Zhou dynasty site that has yielded the densest concentration of ivory of any site from the same period in the world, as well as the most abundant gold and jade artifacts. Its most famous treasure is the gold foil 'Sun Bird' displayed in the fourth exhibition hall. It has been designated the emblem of China's cultural heritage and the main motif of Chengdu's city image.

¥70 · 2–3 hours

Qingyang Palace

The oldest and largest Taoist temple complex in Chengdu. Everything within Qingyang Palace may be a microcosm of the city. If you have time, sit down with a cup of tea and quietly savour the leisure that belongs to Chengdu.

¥20 · 1–2 hours

Du Fu Thatched Cottage (杜甫草堂) — traveller photo

Du Fu Thatched Cottage

The former residence of the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu during his time in Chengdu. Du Fu lived here for nearly four years and wrote over a hundred poems, which is why the site is regarded as a sacred place in the history of Chinese literature. The present-day Du Fu Thatched Cottage was restored many times over the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Pavilions and terraces stand throughout the grounds, and ancient trees tower overhead. The signature landmark, the thatched cottage, was rebuilt in the style of West Sichuan vernacular houses and has become the iconic sight of the complex.

¥50 · 2–3 hours

Zhaojue Temple

Zhaojue Temple is known as the 'first forest of Zen' in West Sichuan. Be sure to see the wooden statue of the Thousand-Armed Guanyin. The arms the bodhisattva raises seem to reach into a mysterious space, while heads are layered and hidden among them, as if suggesting the endless cycle of life.

Free · 1–2 hours