Dufu Thatched Cottage
The Du Fu Thatched Cottage, a serene oasis in bustling Chengdu, honors China’s “Poet Saint” Du Fu, who lived here during the Tang Dynasty (8th century). Once a humble cottage, it evolved into a museum blending poetry, history, and gardens. Designated a National AAAA Tourist Attraction, the site preserves over 1,000 poems by Du Fu and showcases Tang Dynasty architecture, making it a must-visit for literature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Historical Overview
1. Founded in 760 CE, Du Fu sought refuge here during the An Lushan Rebellion, writing 240 poems reflecting wartime struggles.
2. Destroyed and rebuilt over centuries, the current complex dates to the Ming Dynasty (1613) and was expanded in the Qing Dynasty.
3. In 1955, it became a museum dedicated to Du Fu’s life and Chinese classical poetry.
Structural Layout
1. The cottage is divided into four sections:Poetry History Museum: Chronicles Du Fu’s life and Tang Dynasty literature.
2. Thatched Cottage Area: Replicas of Du Fu’s original residence, including a study and garden.
3. Plum Garden: A tranquil landscape with plum trees, pavilions, and stone inscriptions of his poems.
4. Art Gallery: Rotating exhibits of calligraphy, paintings, and artifacts inspired by Du Fu’s work.
Major Attractions
1. Thatched Cottage Hall: A thatched-roof pavilion with wax figures of Du Fu and his family.
2. Poetry Stele Corridor: Over 100 stone tablets engraved with poems by Du Fu and later scholars.
3. Da Ya Pavilion: A viewing tower offering panoramic views of the garden and Huanhua Xi Stream.
4. Tang Dynasty Residence: A reconstructed village house showcasing daily life in the 8th century.
5. Bamboo Grove: A shaded path lined with bamboo, inspired by Du Fu’s poem Bamboo.
Suggested Itineraries
1. Quick Tour (1 hour):
Poetry History Museum → Thatched Cottage Hall → Poetry Stele Corridor → Da Ya Pavilion.
Highlights: Key poems, cottage replica, and river views.
2. Standard Tour (2 hours):
Add: Plum Garden → Tang Dynasty Residence → Bamboo Grove.
Highlights: Gardens, historical reenactments, and nature.
3. In-Depth Tour (3 hours):
Include all sections, plus the Art Gallery and a stop at the on-site teahouse for matcha and poetry readings.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official WeChat mini-program or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance; limited same-day slots.
Prices: ¥50 (adults), ¥25 (students/seniors), free for children under 1.3m.
Transportation
Subway: Line 4 to Caotang North Road Station (Exit B), then a 10-minute walk.
Bus: Routes 19, 35, 58, or 82 to Du Fu Thatched Cottage Station.
Taxi: Direct to the south gate; flag-down fare from downtown ≈ ¥15–20.
Best Time & Tips
Visit Early: Arrive by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds (opens at 8:00 AM).
Quietest Days: Weekdays during autumn (September–November) or spring (March–May).
Pack: Comfy shoes (cobblestone paths), a hat, and water.
Pro Tip: Recite Du Fu’s poems aloud in the Plum Garden for an immersive experience!
