Chengdu - Temple of Prince Wu Wuhou Ci

The first temple was built by a Li Xiong in 302 in honor of Zhuge Liang (181-234), strategist and statesman famous until the present day, who was also chancellor of the Shu Han empire (221-263). For his services Zhuge Liang was made a Prince (Marquis) in 223. This temple, which was rebuilt in 1672, is situated in the southwest of Chengdu.

In the central hall stands a gilded clay figure of Zhuge Liang, in front of which are three bronze drums dating from before the 6th C BC. The two small figures on either side of the Prince are of his son and grandson.

There is also a temple here dedicated to Liu Bei, the ruler of the Shu Han empire. To the west of it lies the 12m/40ft high burial mound which contains his last remains. Twenty-eight terracotta statues of ministers, generals and high officials of the state of Shu Han are displayed in the east and west covered walks. In front of each statue is a small stele inscribed with details of the life of the person concerned.