Alley and bamboo grove in Wuhou Temple, Chengdu, Sichuan province, China

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A path into history

When it comes to tourist destinations, the Wuhou Temple in the city of Chengdu, China, must be among the world's oldest. It's been attracting visitors for nearly 1,800 years and remains one of the most popular attractions in all of China. Located in Sichuan province, this temple complex was constructed to honor two principal members of the Shu Han state (221-263) of China's early Three Kingdoms period. And although the founder of Shu Han, Liu Bei, is honored with his own temple and shrine here, the real headliner is one of China's most important historical figures, Zhuge Liang, who is remembered as a great wit, scholar, astronomer, statesman, and military strategist. In fact, the name Wuhou itself derives from the Chinese title 'Marquis of Wu,' which was an honorary title given to Zhuge Liang.

The Wuhou Temple complex is about 9 acres in size, and is graced by winding, peaceful paths lined by trees. It contains not only the temples devoted to Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, but also a famous garden, a mausoleum, and important cultural relics like the Tablet of Triple Success.