Zhuge Shuangzhong Shrine

Zhuge Shuangzhong Shrine

Zhuge Shuangzhong Shrine is a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

Zhuge Shuangzhong Shrine is one of the important Shu Han historical sites in Sichuan Province. In the main hall of the Wuhou Shrine in Chengdu, there is a statue featuring three generations of the Zhuge family—Zhuge Liang, his son, and his grandson—worshipped together. Similarly, the original statues at the Fulonguan (Double Loyalty Shrine) in Mianzhu also depicted three generations: the front hall honored Zhuge Zhan and his son, while the Qisheng Hall was dedicated to Zhuge Liang. The shrines in both Chengdu and Mianzhu showcase the unwavering loyalty and the noble spirit of “devoting oneself utterly until death” demonstrated by the three generations of the Zhuge family. Later generations have held them in high esteem, leaving behind numerous poetic tributes.

Historical records state that Zhuge Zhan was the eldest son of Zhuge Liang, born when Zhuge was 47 years old. From childhood, he was described as “intelligent and adorable,” with outstanding skills in calligraphy, painting, and a strong memory. Zhuge Liang, hoping to ensure his son’s success, wrote the famous “Admonition to My Son.” At the age of 19, Zhuge Zhan married the daughter of Liu Shan and was appointed Cavalry Commandant. He successively served as Colonel of the Feathered Forest Guards, Colonel Who Shoots at a Sound, Palace Attendant, and Secretariat Director, later receiving the additional title of General of the Army Advisors. Zhuge Zhan inherited his father’s sense of loyalty, shouldering major responsibilities and devoting himself wholeheartedly to military and state affairs. In the fourth year of the Jingyao era (261 AD), he was appointed as General of Chariots and Cavalry Who Protects the Capital and concurrently handled duties of the Minister Over the Masses. In the sixth year (263 AD), the Wei General Deng Ai invaded Shu through Yinping and entered via the Jingu Road. Zhuge Zhan led his troops to stop at Fuling, but after his vanguard was defeated, he retreated to defend Mianzhu. Deng Ai sent a letter tempting him to surrender: “If you surrender, I will recommend you as King of Langya.” Enraged, Zhuge Zhan executed the messenger and engaged Deng Ai’s forces in battle at Mianzhu. After being defeated, Zhuge Zhan died in combat on the battlefield. His son, Zhuge Shang, charged recklessly into the Wei ranks and died at the age of 19. The heroic defiance and fearless sacrifice displayed by Zhuge Zhan and his son in the face of overwhelming enemy forces have inspired admiration and reverence for centuries.

In the Wuhou Shrine in Chengdu, a stone tablet inscribed with a poem by Hong Chengding, the magistrate of Anyue during the Qing Dynasty, titled “Passing Mianzhu in Autumn of the Renchen Year of Qianlong, Mourning the Father and Son of Zhuge, the Loyal Generals at the Double Loyalty Shrine,” is embedded in the wall: “When the kingdom fell, one battle could not restore it, / Leaving behind brave souls who guard the frontier for all time. / Father and son of the noble house upheld both loyalty and filial piety, / Truly living up to the legacy of the late Sage, the Martial Marquis.” There are also many inscribed poems at the former Fulonguan (Double Loyalty Shrine) in Mianzhu. These tributes all link the Zhuge descendants together, extolling their “three generations of unyielding loyalty.”

Architecture

The tomb complex is grand, with a circumference of 30 meters. The burial mound is 3 meters high and surrounded by a stone railing engraved with refined qin (a musical instrument) and sword patterns. In front of the tomb stands a stone stele 4.6 meters high and 0.77 meters wide, inscribed with: “Tomb of Zhuge Zhan, General of Chariots and Cavalry Who Protected the Capital in the Later Han, and Minister Over the Masses, and His Son Zhuge Shang.” The side inscription reads: “Erected in the 61st year of the Kangxi reign by Lu Jiyong, Magistrate of Mianzhu County.” The tomb complex stands majestically amid green trees. On either side of the tomb are two century-old iron-skinned pines, twisting like dragons with leaves resembling swords—like two armored guards wielding swords, protecting the loyal spirits. Visitors standing before the tomb cannot help but feel deep reverence. The Shuangzhong Shrine was built because of the tomb and was first established in the third year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1738). It includes structures such as the Gate of Loyalty and Filial Piety, Worship Hall, Corridor Hall, Main Hall, Qisheng Hall, West Wing, East Chamber, Official Quarters, and Guest Hall. The surviving ancient buildings include the Qisheng Hall and the Worship Hall. The Qisheng Hall was built in the third year of Qianlong, and the Worship Hall in the seventh year of the Daoguang reign (1827).

Current Status

The surviving ancient buildings of Zhuge Shuangzhong Shrine include the Qisheng Hall and the Worship Hall. The Qisheng Hall was built in the third year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, and the Worship Hall in the seventh year of the Daoguang reign. From the Qianlong era onward, the Qing government carried out maintenance and expansion approximately every 20 years. By the end of the Qing Dynasty, the Shuangzhong Shrine had become a grand complex with impressive architecture and an abundance of inscriptions, reaching a considerable scale. Since 1985, the local government has undertaken major restoration work, repairing the Gate of Loyalty and Filial Piety, renovating the Worship Hall, restoring the tomb area, and building a new cultural relics exhibition room. A large color sculpture titled “Spirits Soaring Over Mianzhu Pass” was also created inside the Worship Hall. This group sculpture recreates the tragic scene of Zhuge Zhan and his son holding the Mianzhu Pass against all odds, defending every inch of land and sacrificing their lives for their country. The realistic style and vivid, lifelike expressions make visitors feel as though they are on the ancient battlefield. The plaque above the Worship Hall bears the inscription “Loyal Spirits of the Han” written by General Zhang Aiping. The horizontal plaque above the sculpture was personally inscribed by the renowned Chinese playwright Cao Yu, reading “Spirits Soaring Over Mianzhu Pass.”

Behind the Worship Hall lie the tombs of Zhuge Zhan and his son, standing tall amid green trees and lush grass. A massive stone stele stands in front of the tomb, inscribed with: “Tomb of Zhuge Zhan, General of Chariots and Cavalry Who Protected the Capital in the Later Han, and Minister Over the Masses, and His Son Zhuge Shang.” On either side of the tomb are two century-old iron-skinned pines, their bark gnarled and twisting like dragons, their sword-like leaves resembling armor and swords—like two warriors guarding the loyal spirits. Visitors standing before the tomb cannot help but feel deep reverence.

Zhuge Shuangzhong Shrine suffered severe damage during the 5.12 major earthquake. The reconstruction project by Changshu City followed the principles of “on-site protection, original appearance restoration, authenticity, and integrity.”

Recently, the main structures of the reconstructed Zhuge Shuangzhong Shrine—including the Worship Hall, East and West Wings, Qisheng Hall, and Folk Culture Garden—have been completed. Han Hongbao, the chief engineer in charge of the project, said: “During the 5.12 major earthquake, most buildings in the shrine were damaged. Only the Qisheng Hall retained two relatively intact screen walls, and some carved stone railings were preserved. During reconstruction, these have been restored to their original form.”

Protected Area: East to 3 meters beyond the eastern edge of the East Wing, south to 3 meters beyond the mountain gate, west to 5 meters beyond the western edge of the West Wing, and north to 5 meters beyond the northern edge of the Qisheng Hall.

Construction Control Zone: East to 25 meters beyond the protected area’s eastern edge, south to 20 meters beyond the protected area’s southern edge, west to 30 meters beyond the protected area’s western edge, and north to 30 meters beyond the protected area’s northern edge.

Zhuge Zhan (July 227 – November 263), courtesy name Siyuan, was a native of Yangdu in Langya (present-day Yinan County, Shandong). He was a minister of the Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period and the son of Zhuge Liang, the Shu Han Chancellor. When Deng Ai invaded Shu, Zhuge Zhan, along with his eldest son Zhuge Shang and Shu generals Zhang Zun, Li Qiu, and Huang Chong, defended Mianzhu (present-day Deyang, Sichuan). However, disregarding Huang Chong’s advice to hold the city, he sallied forth to fight Deng Ai in open battle and was killed. Mianzhu subsequently fell.

Early Life

Zhuge Zhan was born in the fifth year of the Jianxing era (227).

In the twelfth year of Jianxing (234), Zhuge Liang campaigned in Wugong... More details on Zhuge Zhan++

Native of Langya Yangdu (present-day Yinan County, Shandong), courtesy name unknown. Born in the seventh year of the Xianxi era (244 AD), died in the first year of the Yanxing era (263 AD). He was the grandson of Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Shang extensively studied military texts and martial arts. In the first year of Yanxing (263 AD), he served as a vanguard resisting the Wei general Deng Ai and died alongside his father Zhuge Zhan at Mianzhu at the age of 19. Personal data: Birth–Death 246–263 (18 years old), Affiliation: Shu, Family: Father—Zhuge Zhan, Siblings—Zhuge Jing, Zhuge Zhi, Hometown: Langya Yangdu, Xu Province [present-day Yishui County, Shandong]... More details on Zhuge Shang++

Zhuge Liang (July 23, 181 – August 28, 234), courtesy name Kongming, also known as Wolong (or Fulong), was a Han Chinese from Yangdu in Langya (present-day Yinan County, Linyi City, Shandong). He was the Chancellor of Shu Han and an outstanding politician, strategist, inventor, and military leader during the Three Kingdoms period. He was posthumously honored as the Marquis of Wu and given the title of Zhongwu Marquis. The later Eastern Jin dynasty further honored his military genius by posthumously naming him the King of Wuxing. His notable works include the “Former Campaign Memorial,” “Later Campaign Memorial,” and “Admonition to My Son.” He invented devices such as the wooden ox and flowing horse, and the Kongming lantern. The Wuhou Shrine in Chengdu is dedicated to him. Additionally, the great poet... More details on Zhuge Liang++

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units