Du Fu Cottage

» Chengdu, Si Chuan

Du Fu Cottage Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Du Fu Cottage (Du Fu Cao Tang) is located in the western outskirts of Chengdu City on the bank of Huanhua Brook, where Du Fu, the great realistic poet of Tang Dynasty, stayed during his vagabond life. It is an important scenic and historic spot in Chengdu.

Cottage's owner, Du Fu

Du Fu (712 - 770) was born in Gongxian County, Henan Province, and lived in the period when the Tang Dynasty was on the decline. In 759, due to the poverty and social upheavals in his home province of Gansu, Du Fu fled to avoid the disasters caused by rebellions and arrived outskirts of Chengdu where he built a cottage as a temporary haven with his friends on 44 hectares of land.

A great poet

Du Fu had great influence upon the development of Chinese literature. He wrote more than 1,400 poems lamenting the suffering of the people. During his 4 years' stay here in Chengdu, he wrote more than 240 poems, many reflecting his enlightened views on the poverty and misery experienced by the people.

Have a look at the cottage

After Du Fu's departure from Chengdu, the cottage was abandoned for a long time and became dilapidated. Hundreds of years later in the Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127) a new temple was built on the original site of the thatched cottage to commemorate this outstanding person in Chinese literature.

From then on, it was renovated and enlarged repeatedly. There were two very important reconstructions in 1500 and 1811 respectively, both of which set the scale and structure of the present thatched cottage.

Today, it is a shrine to Chinese literature and a commemorative museum in the form of a traditional garden.

There is a huge collection of more than 30,000 volumes of different kinds of materials and over 2000 pieces of historical relics in the Du Fu Cottage Museum.

Enjoy the scenery

The total area of the Cottage is about 200,000 square meters. Its structure is after the style of the Han period. In the courtyard of the cottage, nanmu reach high up to the sky, the plum and bamboo all grow profusely, the flow of stream can be seen everywhere and small bridges link up the scenic spots. Bamboo and shady trees set each other off to advantage and flowers are in full bloom. Embellished with ponds, terrace, pavilions, the cottage looks dignified and solemn, elegant and tranquil, beautiful and bright with a strong cultural flavor.

Getting around

The Cottage covers a total area of 24 hectares (about 59 acres), and is the combination of both Fan'an Temple in the east and the Plum Garden in the west. Construction inside The Cottage belongs to the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) style, with gardens in the unique compound style of traditional Chinese gardening.

The area includes several amazing structures. Next to each other in a line that divides the whole thatched cottage area into two parts are the Screen Wall, the Gate, the Lobby, the History in Verse Hall, the Faggot Gate, and the Gong Bu Temple. On each side there are cloisters and other attached buildings echoing each other. This layout gives the place solemnity, simplicity, elegance, and grace.

To the east of the Gong Bu Temple stands the Tablet Pavilion, which is on the original site of the cottage. It has 5 main and 4 attached rooms with thatched roofs and is surrounded by bamboo fences, vegetable gardens and herb plots. All these endow a strong atmosphere of culture. Again, the grand bronze statue of Du Fu in the Memorial Hall of Du Fu and the vivid earthen figure of Du Fu in Gong Bu Temple all impart a feeling of deep respect for the poet.

When to visit

Opening Hours: 8:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.

Attractions around » Chengdu, Si Chuan

Natural Scene

• Mt. Emeishan
• Mt. Qingchengshan
• Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
• Small Three Gorges
• Wangjiang Park

Historical Site

• Leshan Giant Buddha
• Dujiangyan Irrigation System
• Wenshuyuan
• Du Fu Cottage
• Wuhou Memorial Temple
• Qingyanggong Temple
• Jinli Street
• Langzhong Ancient City
• Broad and Narrow Alley in Chengdu

Cultural Site

• Sanxingdui Ruins
• Wangjiang Park
• Wenshuyuan

Shopping & Leisure

• Jinli Street
• Tian Xia Shua Du
• Chunxi Road

Du Fu Cottage Highlights

Historical Relic in Great China

• Great Wall at Badaling
• Forbidden City
• Potala Palace
• Tian'anmen Square
• Great Wall at Mutianyu
• Great Wall at Juyong Pass
• Chengde Mountain Resort
• Kuimen
• Xi'an City Wall
• Hutong in Beijing
• Kong Family Mansion
• A-Ma Temple
• Dujiangyan Irrigation System
• Jiayu Pass
• Sacred Way
• Kizilgaha Thousand Buddha Cave
• Yumbulagang Palace
• Great Wall at Simatai
• Great Wall at Huangyaguan
• Binglingsi Grottoes
• Weijin Art Gallery
• Mural in Baisha Village
• Mawangdui
• Loulan Ancient City
• Dazu Rock Carvings
• Tangyue Archway
• Ancient City Wall of Pingyao
• Royal Tombs of Western Xia Kingdom
• Prince Gong Mansion
• Former Residence of Rock
• Grand Kuqa Mosque
• Great Wall at Jinshanling
• Liulichang Culture Street
• Shanhai Pass
• Former French Concession
• Shenyang Imperial Palace
• Hefang Street
• Chengyang Bridge
• Mapang Drum Tower
• Ling Canal
• Palgor Chorten
• Wenshuyuan
• Qiao Family's Compound
• Old Summer Palace
• Bell and Drum Tower
• Panjiayuan Collection Market
• Laolongtou
• Puppet Emperor's Palace
• Tiemen Pass
• Mu Family Mansion
• New Palace of Panchen
• Du Fu Cottage
• Nine Dragon Screen
• Imperial College
• Daxu Ancient Town
• Chongqing People's Assembly Hall
• Panmen Gate
• Quanyechang Bazaar
• Presidential Palace
• Strange Slope
• Yulin Grottoes
• Overhanging Great Wall
• Hulishan Fortress
• Niangzi Pass
• Ruins of St. Paul's
• Nanluoguxiang Alley
• Yuhuatai Martyrs' Cemetery
• OX Street Mosque
• Luoyang Bridge
• Site of the Zunyi Meeting
• Terrace of King Yu
• Astana Tombs
• Former Residence of Mao Zedong
• The First National Congress of the Communist Party of China Shanghai Site
• Ancient Culture Street
• Yanmen Pass
• Heptachord Terrace
• Great Wall at Hushan
• February 7 Square
• Pingxing Pass
• Star Ferry
• Monte Fort
• Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen
• Broad and Narrow Alley in Chengdu
• Yongle Palace
• Zhonghua Gate
• Badabu
• Ji'an City
• Chen Family Temple

Du Fu Cottage FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. What about climate in Chengdu?
2. What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?
3. Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Food

1. What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?
2. What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  Shopping

1. What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  Travel

1. What are entertainments in Chengdu?
2. I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba is located?
3. Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?
4. What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?
5. Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

  Customs

1. What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

  Other Hints

1. What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?
2. What's the city code of Chengdu?

• What about climate in Chengdu?

  The climate of Chengdu is mild and humid with distinct four seasons and plenty of rainfall. It is a city with the early spring, hot summer, cool autumn and warm winter.

  The annual average temperature is 16 degree Celsius. January is the coldest season when the average temperature is approximately 5 degrees Celsius. Snow is rare but there are a few periods of frost each winter. Summer is hot and humid. July is the hottest season when temperatures can be almost 35 degree Celsius.

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• What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?

  The best time to visit is between March and June or between September and November. In the hottest seasons of July and August, you can summer at the nearby Mt. Qingchengshan or Xiling Snow Mountain. When snow in winter, you can enjoy the nice snow scenery at Xiling Snow Mountain and Longchi Forest Park.

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• Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Aba has a continental plateau climate. So visiting Aba, including Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area, spring or autumn clothing is necessary in summer for the temperature varies greatly during a day.

  The spring of Aba is from June to July. And the winter is from December to March and April of the next year. Some people say that paradise is distributed everywhere in Aba. The fact is different sceneries of Aba show their best in different seasons.

  The best time to Huanglong is from April to November, to Jiuzhaigou is from September to October. During the high tourist seasons such as International Labor Day (May 1st) and National Day (October 1st), there are a lot of visitors here. So the prices of the hotel, food and transportation in this period are very high. You'd better avoid the high tourist seasons.

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• What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?

  Chengdu snacks enjoy a high reputation both at home and abroad with their unique colors, aromas, shapes and tastes. It covers the essence of Sichuan cuisine.

  You can taste some famous dishes such as the Long Wonton Soup, Mapo Doufu, Hot pepper, and so on. There are many foods with the unequal characteristics in Chengdu. Although you can buy some from Beijing, such as beef jerky and dehydrated bean curd, the varieties and taste are not more than original place.

  You can buy the typical Sichuan seasoning in the local market. In a word, you will come back with fruitful results.

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• What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  The Tibetan food and Sichuan cuisine are popular in Aba. But there are some Muslim foods. So you can have your meals in Aba County or some bigger towns. However, you need to take along some food with you.

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• What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  There are a few good local specialties which are worth having a look at even if you don't want to make a purchase!

  Shu Embroidery is an interesting example of exquisite workmanship and detail. And it is one of the four best and most famous brocades in China along with Nanjing Brocade, Suzhou Brocade and Guangxi Brocade.

  Silk Tapestry is also one of your best choices. The tapestry is smooth and sleek and to touch it feels soft and springy and this makes a lovely souvenir.

  Equally impressive are the beautiful Silverware pieces and Qingcheng Silk Tapestries.

  All kinds of Bamboo craftwork and lacquer ware are also worthy to buy some for your friends and relatives as the decent gifts.

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• What are entertainments in Chengdu?

  The main form of entertainment in Chengdu is Chinese traditional opera C Sichuan opera. It is a great place to see some authentic Chinese art on stage such as facial makeup, fire-spitting, the long flowing silk inner sleeves, spirals-lifting.

  When you are in Chengdu, you will see teahouses everywhere on the streets. Teahouses sprawl over Chengdu sidewalks, public parks, main scenic spots, in back-alley sections and suburbs. You can enjoy your pastimes and stay in theses teahouses all day!

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• I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba located is?

  Aba is situated in northwestern Sichuan Province. Aba County is well connected to many provincial towns and cities such as Garz, Liangshan and Yaan City. It is bounded on the famous Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a special region. We need to follow the customs and habits of the local people.

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• Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?

  Aba is surely one of incredibly amazing places in China people want to visit. It is a place with a lot of splendid scenic spots and with the unique culture. Its beauty bears no comparison with other places from home and abroad. There are so many snow mountains in the large area of Aba.

  You may meet some troubles when you do the self-serve traveling in the remote and undeveloped area. So transportation, hotel, food here are all not convenient. It's recommended to well plan this trip before you rock this place.

  If you have time, give yourself at least couple days to explore this place with the help of some professional person or tour guides.

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• What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?

  There are some hidden washrooms and dustbins in the main scenic spots of Jiuzhaigou. You need to collaborate with the tour guide and to protect the environment during the trip.

  Do not feed the fish in Jiuzhaigou. Do not pick the wild fruit and some fungus to avoid being food poisoned. Follow the tour guide to avoid some accidents. Do not stay overnight in Jiuzhaogou and live in the hotel outside of Jiuzhaigou after one day's trip.

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• Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

  Yes, your first choice is to enjoy the performance of Tibetan servant-girl. It is the best time to display the local customs for travelers all over the world.

  At the same time, we can eat the typical snacks and take part in the singing and dancing party with local minority peoples around a campfire.

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• What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

  Sichuan is one of the multi-ethnic provinces in the country. In addition to the Han people, there live another 52 ethnic groups, including the Tibetan, Qiang, Miao, Tujia, Naxi, Manchu, Dai, Zhuang, Bai minority peoples.

  Most of the minority residents live in the northwestern part of Sichuan. There have established three autonomous prefectures: Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.The famous scenic resorts such as Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area are located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.

  This is a multiethnic reign; you need to follow the customs and habits of the local people, in order not to trouble yourselves. It is more suitable to gain their permission if you want to have a photo taken with the local people.

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• What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?

  The Plateau is an area with high altitude, thin oxygen and intensive sunshine. The temperature here varies greatly during a day. So you need to take along with some clothes such as jacket, sweater, etc.

  At the same time, you need to take the sunglasses, sun hat, suntan lotion, lip balm, cold tablets, and stomach tablets.

  In high Plateau, you can't do the labor work and you need to avoid doing some intense exercise like walking quickly, especially running. Drink less and eat more vegetable and fruit to avoid altitude sickness. So it is better for you with a pre-existing heart and lung problems to consult the doctors before taking Plateau tours.

  And it is necessary for you to take some drugs for routine (Medication to help your headache, diarrhea, stomach-ache, cold and altitude sickness).

  Most Plateau tours are not highly demanding physically. However, the travelers need to be in good conditions and able to walk up and down moderate hills on a daily basis.

  If you feel out of breath or your chest feels tight, you need to transfer to the lower altitude place to have rest as soon as possible. And it is better for the old and infirm to take along with a small oxygen cylinder.

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• What's the city code of Chengdu?

  Chengdu's City Code: 028

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