The Poetic Corridor of the Three Kingdoms: Red Wall Walkway and the Bamboo Shadows of Wuhou Shrine

The Most Photogenic Artery of Shu Han

1.Located within the renowned Chengdu Wuhou: Shrine (Wuhouci), the Red Wall Walkway (Hongqiang Jiadao) is widely celebrated as the most iconic and photogenic corridor in the entire museum complex. While the shrine itself is famous for being the only temple in China where a monarch and his minister are enshrined together, this specific walkway has gained fame as an internet-celebrity landmark for its stunning visual aesthetics. It serves as the tranquil passageway connecting the Zhuge Liang Hall (the area dedicated to the minister) and Hui Ling (the mausoleum of the emperor Liu Bei). Unlike the solemn and grand halls filled with statues and steles, the Red Wall Walkway offers a moment of quiet, poetic beauty, where the weight of history meets the softness of nature. It is often described as a "Time Tunnel" that transports visitors from the bustling modern city of Chengdu back to the deep, contemplative atmosphere of the Three Kingdoms period 1,800 years ago,.

A Symphony of Red and Green

The defining feature of the walkway is the striking color contrast that has captivated countless photographers and travelers. On both sides, tall, curved walls painted in a deep, imperial red rise up, symbolizing the dignity and solemnity of the royal mausoleum. Flanking these walls are dense groves of emerald green bamboos (Wan Gan Cui Zhu), which tower over the path, casting dancing shadows upon the red surfaces when the sun shines or the wind blows. This interplay of "Red Walls and Bamboo Shadows" (Hongqiang Zhuying) creates a classic Chinese garden aesthetic that is both vibrant and Zen-like. The floor is paved with grey bluestone slabs, worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, adding a texture of antiquity to the scene. Whether bathed in the soft morning light or shrouded in the misty rain of a Sichuan afternoon, the walkway presents a painting-like quality that perfectly encapsulates the elegance of Western Sichuan architecture,.

The Path to the Emperor's Resting Place

Historically and structurally, this walkway is part of the enclosure for Hui Ling, the tomb of Liu Bei, the founding emperor of the Shu Han state. The mausoleum area is surrounded by three concentric circles of walls: a gray brick wall, a mixed gray-and-red wall, and the famous pure red wall. The Red Wall Walkway typically refers to the path along the outer circle of these red walls. As visitors walk along this curved, meandering path, the high walls block out the noise of the outside world, creating a serene sanctuary. The path is not straight but gently curves, adhering to the traditional Feng Shui principle of concealing the sacred site and extending the sense of space. It is said that the unique acoustic design of the narrow corridor allows for echoes to be heard when walking, adding a layer of acoustic mystery to the visual splendor,.

A Cultural and Spiritual Experience

Beyond its visual appeal, the Red Wall Walkway offers a profound cultural experience. It physically and symbolically links the "Minister" (Zhuge Liang) with the "Monarch" (Liu Bei), reinforcing the theme of loyalty and righteousness that pervades the Wuhou Shrine. Walking here allows for a moment of reflection on the legendary bond between the two historical figures. The swaying bamboo represents the character of the gentleman—resilient and upright—echoing the virtues of the figures worshipped nearby. It is a place to slow down, to listen to the rustling leaves, and to feel the "history echoing" through the corridor. For modern visitors, it provides a perfect backdrop for Hanfu (traditional clothing) photography, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the classical atmosphere of the Shu Han dynasty,,.