Stop Wandering Aimlessly! The Ultimate Guide to Du Fu Thatched Cottage

When visiting Chengdu, Du Fu Thatched Cottage is a must-see! How can you avoid tourist traps, take stunning photos, and find comfortable, convenient accommodation? This guide covers it all 👇 In-Depth Tour Routes • Classic Route (2-3 hours): Enter through the main gate and visit Daxie Hall and Poetry History Hall to learn about Du Fu's life as the "Poet Historian." Continue through the Chai Gate to Gongbu Shrine to admire the statue of the Poetry Saint. Then head to the Shaoling Thatched Cottage Memorial Pavilion, a landmark photo spot, before strolling to the thatched residence to experience Du Fu's living environment. Follow the path to see Tang Dynasty ruins and the Thousand Poem Steles. Finally, walk through the Bonsai Garden and Flower Path to the Screen Wall, ending at Daya Hall before exiting through the south gate. • In-Depth Route (4+ hours): Follow the classic route in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the Orchid Garden to enjoy its tranquil atmosphere, then climb Wanfo Tower for a panoramic view of the entire complex. Next, visit the Thatched Cottage Academy to participate in traditional Chinese cultural activities. Finish by browsing the cultural creative shops for souvenirs. Perfect Photo Spots • Flower Path Red Wall: The place Du Fu described as "flower paths never swept for guests." With red walls and green trees, it's perfect for traditional-style photos. Best visited in early morning or evening when the light is soft. • Thatched Cottage Area: A recreation of Du Fu's residence, where the thatched cottage complements the surrounding pastoral scenery. Sit on the stone bench in front of the cottage or pose with a scroll for a time-travel effect. • In Front of Daya Hall: Take photos with Du Fu's stone statue. Stand at a 45-degree angle with Daya Hall as the background to capture the cultural atmosphere. • Waterside Pavilion and Small Waterfall: Near the Orchid Garden, stand by the water with the waterfall and greenery as your background for fresh, natural photos. Recommended Accommodations • Luxury Option: Manxin Residence at Kuanzhai Alley and Du Fu Thatched Cottage features new Chinese garden-style decor with spacious, comfortable rooms. It's close to the scenic area for convenient travel and has panda sculptures in the courtyard for photo opportunities. • Value Option: Shenbo Qingju National Style Hotel (Chengdu Kuanzhai Alley TCM Provincial Hospital Subway Station Branch) offers Chinese modern style rooms with smart toilets. Stay two nights for 399 yuan with no weekend price increase. Just a few minutes' walk to the subway station for easy access to attractions. • Boutique Homestay: Chengdu Qingshui Lianju Designer Vacation Homestay (Du Fu Thatched Cottage Longzhaayan Subway Station Branch) is full of design elements where you can experience Chengdu's slow-paced lifestyle at an affordable price. Poetic Scenery • Natural Landscapes: Beautiful in all seasons – peach blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, golden ginkgo trees in autumn, and peaceful tranquility in winter. Each season has its own charm. • Cultural Landscapes: Ancient buildings like Daxie Hall, Poetry History Hall, and Gongbu Shrine feature upturned eaves, gray tiles, and white walls in traditional style. The Thousand Poem Stele Gallery is carved with poetry, immersing visitors in poetic culture. Du Fu's statue and calligraphy wood-carving corridors showcase rich cultural heritage throughout. Ticket Information • Full Price: 50 yuan per person, available for advance booking through the official WeChat account or Trip.com. • Half Price (25 yuan per person): For minors aged 6 (not including) to 18 (including) and full-time undergraduate students or below with valid ID. • Free Admission: Seniors aged 60 and above (with ID card), children aged 6 and under or under 1.3 meters in height, retired cadres, people with disabilities, military personnel, police officers, and other specific groups with corresponding valid ID.