Du Fu Thatched Cottage: A Textbook Guide to Avoiding Tourist Traps

Address: No. 37, Qinghua Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu Opening hours: 9:00-18:00 (last entry 17:00), closed on Mondays (except public holidays). Tickets: CNY 50/adult, CNY 25/student, free for seniors over 60, active military personnel, etc., with valid ID. Highlights: The former residence of Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu during his stay in Chengdu, the existing buildings are in the Qing Dynasty style, integrating poetry and history, garden landscapes, and Tang Dynasty ruins. II. Historical Background Du Fu Thatched Cottage was first built in 760 AD. Du Fu and his family fled to Sichuan to escape the An Lushan Rebellion and built a thatched cottage by the Huanhua Stream. Here, he wrote more than 240 famous poems, including "Happy Rain on a Spring Night" and "The Thatched Cottage Overturned by Autumn Wind." The cottage was damaged several times and rebuilt by Wei Zhuang in the Five Dynasties period. It underwent several renovations during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, eventually forming the nearly 300-acre cultural sanctuary that combines a memorial temple and gardens. III. Core Attractions and Recommended Route Recommended route: Main Gate → Dai Gate → Hall of Poetry History → Thatched Gate → Gongbu Shrine → Thatched Cottage → Flower Path → Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower → Tang Dynasty Ruins Dai Gate: The starting point of the central axis. A bronze statue of Du Fu is enshrined in the hall. The couplet on both sides, "The spring breeze of the Jin River is occupied by the public, I return to the thatched cottage on the seventh day of the new year," was written by Qing Dynasty calligrapher He Shaoji. Hall of Poetry History: Showcases Du Fu's life and poetic achievements. A standing statue of Du Fu is in the center, and the couplets on both sides encapsulate his patriotic and compassionate sentiments. Gongbu Shrine: Enshrines statues of Du Fu and Song Dynasty poets Huang Tingjian and Lu You, reflecting the profound influence of the "Poet Sage" on later generations of literati. Thatched Cottage: A thatched cottage restored according to Du Fu's poems, recreating the artistic conception of "The window contains the thousand-year-old snow of the Western Mountain." It is a popular spot for taking photos. Flower Path Red Wall: A vermilion screen wall along a bamboo-lined path, with dappled light and shadow reminiscent of scenes from "The Longest Day in Chang'an." The best time for photography is before 10:00 am when the light is favorable. Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower: A 30-meter-high landmark building. In April, you can enjoy the limited-time view of the red plum blossoms cascading against the ancient architecture. Tang Dynasty Ruins: Remnants of Tang Dynasty life excavated in 2001, confirming Du Fu's descriptions of his living environment in his poems. IV. Special Experiences Cultural Activities: Poetry Feihualing Game: Held daily at 14:30 and 15:30 in the Thatched Cottage area. Rubbing Experience: Copy rubbings of the "Shaoling Thatched Cottage Stele" (CNY 50/person, weekdays only). Night Tour Light Show: Open until 20:00 every Friday/Saturday in April. The ancient buildings look even more poetic under the lights (separate ticket CNY 30). Ancient Costume Photography: Free rental of ancient costumes is available in the scenic area. Recommended shooting locations include the Red Wall, the Thatched Cottage waterside pavilion, and in front of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower. V. Transportation Subway: Line 4, Caotang North Road Station, Exit B, 10-minute walk to the North Gate. Bus: No. 35/58/82/165 to "Du Fu Thatched Cottage Station." Car: Parking lots are available at both the South and North Gates (CNY 5-10/hour). Arrive early on weekends. VI. Nearby Recommendations Dining: Caotang Tea House: Covered bowl tea + Zhong dumplings (CNY 25/person), experience Sichuan tea culture. Chen Mapo Tofu: Signature Mapo Tofu, spicy and flavorful (CNY 50/person). Combined Tour Route: Du Fu Thatched Cottage → Huanhua Stream Park → Sichuan Provincial Museum → Qingyang Temple, experience the cultural context of Chengdu. VII. Practical Tips Mosquito Repellent and Sunscreen: There are many mosquitoes in the bamboo forest in summer, so bring mosquito repellent. It is recommended to take photos at the Red Wall before 10:00 am. Guide Service: Self-service audio guide CNY 25/time, human guide CNY 100/session (2 hours). Avoid Crowds: There are many tourists on holidays. It is recommended to visit on weekday mornings or 1 hour before closing.