Du Fu Thatched Cottage

Du Fu Thatched Cottage (杜甫草堂) preserves the former home of Du Fu, widely regarded as China's greatest poet. Fleeing war in 759 AD, the Tang-dynasty master settled on the banks of the Huanhua Stream in Chengdu, where over roughly four years he composed some 240 surviving poems. Later dynasties turned the site into a serene memorial park of halls, pavilions and a recreated thatched hut set among bamboo, plum and ancient trees.

What to See

The park is as much a classical garden as a museum. Follow the axis through the Great Hall and the Hall of Poetic History to the Gongbu Shrine, then continue to the reconstructed thatched cottage that gives the site its name. Calligraphy, steles and exhibits trace Du Fu's life and verse, while winding paths, streams and groves make it one of the most peaceful escapes in the city.

• The recreated thatched hut and "Shaoling" memorial.
• Halls displaying woodblock editions and calligraphy of Du Fu's poems.
• Bamboo groves, plum gardens and a red-walled bamboo path much like Wuhou's.

Opening Hours

Peak season (May–October): 08:00–20:00. Low season (November–April): 08:00–18:30. Last entry is shortly before closing.

Tickets

General admission is 60 RMB; visitors over 60 enter free with ID, and students receive discounts. Plan around 1.5–2 hours for a relaxed visit.

Getting There

The cottage is at 37 Caotang Road, Qingyang District, about 8 km from the centre. Take the metro (Line 4 to Caotang Road North, then a short walk) or a taxi to "Du Fu Thatched Cottage." It pairs naturally with the nearby Qingyang Palace and Jinsha Site Museum.

Best Season

Late winter to early spring is special, when the plum blossoms open. Spring and autumn are most comfortable overall; the dense greenery also makes summer mornings pleasant and shaded.

Practical Tips

A basic grasp of Du Fu's story deepens the visit, so consider an audio guide. Mornings are quietest; combine with Qingyang Palace for a calm half-day of classical Chengdu.