Hello, I’m Michael Zhang. As a passionate traveler with a deep love for history and culture, I often say that truly soul-stirring journeys aren’t just about beautiful scenery—they’re about the stories between people and the land. This time, I returned to Chengdu, a cultural heartland in Southwest China, to visit a site many travelers tend to overlook—yet it holds the very soul of classical Chinese literature: the Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum. This was once the temporary home of Du Fu, one of the greatest poets of the Tang dynasty. If you’re interested in Chinese poetry, classical culture, or historical architecture, this article will serve as a deep and professional guide to one of Chengdu’s most meaningful destinations.

Summary

Du Fu Thatched Cottage Overview

The Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum was the former residence of Du Fu, a prominent poet of the Tang dynasty, during his years in exile in Chengdu. From the late Tang through the Song dynasties, Du Fu’s reputation continued to grow, and his influence extended not only across Chinese literature but also deeply into Japanese literary traditions. Later generations honored him as the “Poet Sage,” and his work was known as “poetry as history.”

Du Fu lived here for nearly four years and composed over 240 poems during this time. The cottage complex spans nearly 300 acres and still retains the architectural layout from its historical expansions. Structures such as the Screen Wall, Main Gate, Grand Hall, Hall of Historic Poetry, Brushwood Gate, and the Shrine to the Minister of Works are arranged along a central axis, flanked symmetrically by corridors and auxiliary buildings. The museum also houses a collection of over 30,000 documents and materials related to Du Fu and his legacy.

  • Address: No. 37, Qinghua Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (ticket sales end at 5:00 PM)
  • Recommended visit duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Best seasons to visit: All year round
  • Ticket price: 50 CNY
  • Ticket purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
Du Fu statue at Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum

Du Fu Thatched Cottage Map

Panoramic map of Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum

Why You Should Visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage

Historical Significance and Cultural Value

The Du Fu Thatched Cottage is the former home of Du Fu, a realist poet of the Tang dynasty. Built in 759 AD, the residence has withstood centuries of natural and human impact. It was more than just his dwelling; it was the birthplace of many of his most enduring poems, such as “My Thatched Roof Was Ruined by the Autumn Wind” and “Delight in Spring Rain”. These works vividly portray both the social environment of his time and his personal reflections.

Rich Cultural Exhibitions and Collections

The Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum is home to a wide range of cultural relics and ancient literature. With over 30,000 pieces in its collection, the museum includes original poem manuscripts, rare ancient books, and treasured calligraphy and paintings. These exhibits not only reveal the literary brilliance of Du Fu but also offer deep insight into his life and the timeless appeal of his poetry.

Beautiful Classical Gardens

The museum’s garden landscapes are in poetic harmony with Du Fu’s works. Pavilions, streams, and lush greenery create a scene reminiscent of the classical imagery found in his poetry. Willow trees sway gently by flowing creeks, and seasonal flowers bloom in vibrant abundance. Walking through the grounds feels like entering a traditional Chinese painting, where nature and poetry merge seamlessly.

Top Things to Do in Du Fu Thatched Cottage

Main Attractions

Main Gate & Thatched Cottage Plaque

Upon entering the Du Fu Thatched Cottage, visitors are greeted by a solemn and traditional front gate. The name “Thatched Cottage” displayed above was personally inscribed by Prince Yunzhi of the Qing dynasty. The vigorous strokes reflect strength and dignity. The couplet on either side, “To the west of Wanli Bridge lies my home, to the north of Baihua Pond my cottage,” comes from one of Du Fu’s famous poems, describing the geographical charm of the location. Standing before this gate feels like stepping straight into the literary heart of the Tang dynasty.

Main gate of Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum

Grand Hall

The Grand Hall, or “Daxie,” was traditionally the office of government officials. Du Fu, despite his unwavering concern for the nation, faced a frustrating career in officialdom. As a tribute to his unrealized aspirations, a grand and solemn hall was built for him in the cottage complex. Inside, a statue of Du Fu in his later years stands—his face weathered, his expression heavy—faithfully reflecting his hardship-ridden life. In 770 AD, Du Fu passed away on a boat in Yueyang, Hunan, at the age of 59. His final lines, “No word from friends or kin, just an old, ill man on a lonely boat,” remain deeply moving.

Elderly Du Fu statue inside Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum

Hall of Historic Poetry

This core structure of the cottage is named after Du Fu’s extensive body of over 1,400 poems, which spanned topics such as politics, daily life, border defense, and nature—earning his work the title of “poetry as history.” At the center stands a striking statue of Du Fu, sculpted by Liu Kaiqu. With thoughtful eyes gazing into the distance, he seems lost in contemplation. The surrounding walls display plaques and couplets penned by famous scholars and poets across generations, each expressing the highest reverence for this literary giant.

Du Fu seated sculpture in Hall of Historic Poetry, Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum

Brushwood Gate

Beyond the Hall of Historic Poetry, you’ll find a modest yet charming wooden gate known as the Brushwood Gate. Du Fu once described this in his poetry: “By the old man’s hedge the river curves, the brushwood gate opens unevenly toward the stream.” The current gate, built during the Qing dynasty reconstruction, features a plaque inscribed by modern master painter Pan Tianshou. His flowing brushstrokes carry a rustic elegance. Standing before the gate, it’s easy to imagine Du Fu pushing it open, gazing at the river, his heart with the people.

Rustic Brushwood Gate at Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum

Du Fu Thatched Cottage Ticket Guide

Ticket Prices

  • Adults: 50 CNY
  • Children: 25 CNY (ages 6–18, excluding 6-year-olds)
  • Students: 25 CNY (full-time university and below)
  • Free admission: Children under age 6 or shorter than 1.3 meters, and seniors over 60

Where to Buy Tickets

Du Fu Thatched Cottage Tour Guide Options

There is an official in-person guide service available, but it’s generally better to use the WeChat audio guide. It’s cheaper and offers nearly the same content. Also, booking human guides can be difficult, especially during peak times when long lines are common. Renting audio guide devices is not recommended, as the content is similar to the WeChat version but costs more.

  • Official Human Guides:
    • Languages: Chinese, Japanese, Korean
    • Pricing:
      • 1 to 3 people: 120 CNY per group for Chinese; 180 CNY per group for other languages
      • 4 to 20 people: Add 40 CNY per extra person for Chinese; 60 CNY for other languages
  • WeChat Audio Guide: Scan QR codes in the park, pay, and listen directly on your phone
    • Duration: 30–60 minutes
    • Languages: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Russian
    • Pricing: 12 CNY for Chinese; 18 CNY for other languages
  • Audio Guide Device Rental: 25 CNY per device
WeChat audio guide options at Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum

Due to convenient transport access, most visitors enter from the North Gate, so this route starts from there. However, since the layout is a loop, you won’t miss any key sites regardless of your entry point.

Route: North Gate → Pavilion Over Water → Yilan Pavilion → Grand Hall → Hall of Historic Poetry → Brushwood Gate → Shrine to the Minister of Works → Thatched Hut Zone → Garden of Spring Rain Delight → Huanhua Shrine → Flower Path (Red Wall Passage) → Cottage Screen Wall → Hall of Great Elegance → Ten-Thousand-Buddha Tower → Hall of Admiration → Du Fu’s Thousand-Poem Monument → Orchid Garden → Waterscape Area → Tang Dynasty Site → North Gate

  • Tip: Du Fu Thatched Cottage is within walking distance of Huanhua Brook Park and the Sichuan Museum, both excellent additions to your cultural itinerary.

There are several dining options inside the Du Fu Thatched Cottage, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat and restoring your energy. It’s also a great opportunity to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea, immersing yourself in Chengdu’s tea culture and famously slow-paced lifestyle. Dining within the cottage grounds is definitely a pleasant choice.

Caotang Coffee

Coffee with Caotang design at Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum café
  • Why it’s recommended: This lesser-known coffee shop has partnered closely with the Du Fu Thatched Cottage for many years. Despite the name “Caotang Coffee,” the café also offers a wide variety of teas, snacks, and simple meals. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, the menu caters to all kinds of visitors.
  • Address: Inside the Du Fu Thatched Cottage, with four locations throughout the site—just explore and you’ll spot them.
  • Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Average cost: 35 CNY per person

Duodexing Suantang Tofu Pudding Pot (Du Fu Thatched Cottage Branch)

Hot pot and tofu pudding set meal near Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum
  • Why it’s recommended: Located near the north gate of the cottage, this restaurant specializes in tofu pudding hot pot. The ingredients are fresh and plentiful, and rather than serving tea, they offer soy milk as the default beverage—a fun and memorable twist.
  • Address: No. 4 Qingjiang South Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Average cost: 40 CNY per person

If you’d like to stay near the Du Fu Thatched Cottage, the Chunxi Road / Tianfu Square commercial area is the best option. Staying around Chunxi Road offers unmatched convenience for food, shopping, and transportation to most of Chengdu’s attractions, airports, and train stations. This area has direct shuttle buses to popular sights and both major airports, making it ideal for couples, families with children, and travelers with elderly companions.

Tianfu Square is only one metro stop away from Chunxi Road and is another fantastic accommodation zone. It’s best to find a hotel near Chunxi Road or Tianfu Square metro stations. From here, you’re close to Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, Wenshu Monastery, Kuan Zhai Alley, Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, the Chengdu Museum, Jianshe Road Food Street, Qingyang Palace, Yulin Street, and Jiuyanqiao. The area also has direct buses to Sanxingdui Museum and the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base. Getting to and from Tianfu International Airport and Shuangliu International Airport is also quick and easy via airport shuttle.

Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Mercure Hotel

Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Mercure Hotel
  • Location: 10-minute walk from Taisheng South Road Metro Station, 13-minute walk from Chunxi Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 459 RMB
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: 4.8/5 on Trip
  • Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, robot room service, family rooms

This hotel is located in the city center, just a 10-minute walk from Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li, making it perfect for shopping. It’s also close to various attractions, with easy access by metro or taxi.

The rooms are clean and tidy, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering great views. The snacks in the room are free, and the facilities are fully equipped for your comfort. The hotel also offers a self-service laundry room on the 29th floor, along with luggage storage services.

ISEYA Shinya – Sky Suites Hotel (Taikoo Li Flagship Store)

ISEYA Shinya - Sky Suites Hotel (Taikoo Li Flagship Store)
  • Location: 3-minute walk from Chunxi Road Metro Station, 13-minute walk from Dongmen Bridge Metro Station
  • Price Range: 738 RMB
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.8/5 on Trip
  • Special Amenities: Robot room service, family rooms, triple rooms, quadruple rooms

Located on Chunxi Road, this hotel is conveniently close to Metro Line 2. It’s just a short walk to Taikoo Li and Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, making shopping and dining easy and vibrant.

The hotel rooms are duplex-style, offering high-quality amenities like King Koil mattresses. Both floors have TVs and projectors, and they also provide Harman Kardon speakers. The cleanliness and maintenance are top-notch.

Chengdu Maoye JW Marriott Hotel

Chengdu Maoye JW Marriott Hotel
  • Location: 6-minute walk from Taisheng South Road Metro Station, 15-minute walk from Chunxi Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 854 RMB
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: 4.8/5 on Trip
  • Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, indoor pool, robot room service

The hotel is centrally located, within walking distance to Tianfu Square and Chunxi Road, and nearby attractions like Chengdu Museum. It’s also very close to the metro, making it a great base for exploring the city.

The hotel rooms are modern and feature amenities like electric curtains, a smart toilet, Bluetooth speakers, and a capsule coffee machine, providing both practicality and comfort.

How to Get to Du Fu Thatched Cottage from Downtown Chengdu

The metro is the top recommendation. You can easily take the subway from the city center to the Du Fu Thatched Cottage. However, note that you’ll need to walk about 15 minutes after exiting the station. If you have mobility concerns, a ride-hailing service is a great alternative—it’s affordable and convenient within central Chengdu.

By Metro

You can take Metro Line 4 or Line 5. After reaching the station, follow the walking route to the cottage.

  • Line 4: Get off at Caotang North Road Station, Exit B, then walk 15 minutes to the north gate of the cottage.
  • Line 5: Get off at Qingyang Palace Station, Exit B, then walk 25 minutes to the north gate.

By Bus

If you prefer taking a bus, options include routes 19, 35, 58, 82, 151, 165, 170, 1024, and 1031.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing App

Since the Du Fu Thatched Cottage is located in downtown Chengdu, taking a taxi from the city center is very convenient. The fare is around 20 CNY and the trip takes about 25 minutes.

FAQ

Is Du Fu Thatched Cottage accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?

Yes. Most of the paths are flat, and although there are some steps, accessible ramps are available. Free stroller and wheelchair rentals are also offered by the site.

Where can I store luggage?

Lockers are available only at the north gate of the Du Fu Thatched Cottage. The first hour costs 5 CNY, and each additional hour is 1 CNY. If the lockers are full, check with nearby small shops—many offer luggage storage services.

Essential Chengdu Travel Resources