The former residence of the Sage of Poetry Du Fu during his stay in Chengdu, hailed as a 'holy land in the history of Chinese literature.' It is a national first-class museum, a key national cultural heritage site, and a national 4A tourist attraction.
Step into the classroom classic 'Song of My Thatched Cottage Unroofed by Autumn Winds' and feel the deepest cultural heritage of Chengdu.
Du Fu Thatched Cottage is one of Chengdu's most culturally rich attractions, where gardens and poetry blend perfectly – well worth a visit. Avoid public holidays; go in the early morning or at dusk to better appreciate its tranquility and poetic charm.
Tickets & Transport
Tickets
- Adult ticket
- ¥50
- Child ticket
- ¥25
- Free
- No
- Reservation required
- Yes
- Real-name required
- Yes
- Ticket methods
- You can reserve and purchase tickets through the official WeChat account 'Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum', or buy tickets on site.
- Ticket notes
- A policy of 'reservation, staggered entry, and flow control' is implemented; online ticket reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance.
Opening Hours
- Last entry
- Regular 17:00 (ticket sales/admission close)
- Ticket sales end
- 16:30
- Holiday hours
- Opens as usual on statutory holidays, with possible extended hours; please check official announcements.
- Seasonal hours
- In summer (May-Oct), opening hours may be extended to 18:30; in winter (Nov-Apr), the garden closes at 17:30.
- Opening notes
- Regular hours: 09:00-18:00 (ticket sales stop at 17:00); extended opening hours 08:30-18:30 on major holidays such as Labor Day, summer vacation, and National Day, subject to official announcements.
Best Time to Visit
- Best time of day
- Early morning at opening time or early evening near closing time, when there are fewer visitors and softer light, ideal for photography.
- Best day of week
- Tuesday to Thursday (weekdays)
- Best season
- Good all year round; the garden is cool in summer.
- Avoid times
- Weekend afternoons and all day on holidays, when it is very crowded.
- Avoid days
- Statutory holidays such as May Day and National Day
- Crowd level
- Very High
- Crowd peak time
- 10:00-15:00
Getting There
- Metro station
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage Station (Metro Line 13, Exit C2 directly to the North Gate); alternatively, walk from Caotang North Road Station on Line 4.
- Metro line
- Line 13 (alternative: Line 4)
- Metro exit
- Exit B
- Metro distance
- 1km
- Metro walk
- 15min
In Detail
Du Fu lived here for nearly four years, writing over 240 poems. The thatched huts, flower paths, Huanhua Shrine, and garden waterways complement each other. Inside the stele pavilion stand a statue of Du Fu and inscriptions by famous calligraphers of various dynasties, making this a pilgrimage site for literature lovers.
What to expect
Visitors can tour memorial buildings such as the Thatched Cottage Residence, Hall of Poetic History, and Ministry of Works Shrine; admire inscriptions by renowned calligraphers through the ages and paintings inspired by Du Fu's poetry; and stroll through garden landscapes including Flower Path, Plum Garden, and Lotus Pond to experience the elegance and tranquility of a classical western Sichuan garden. The garden also features cultural souvenir shops and teahouses for tea and rest.
How to visit
It is recommended to enter from the main gate (South Gate), visit the Grand Hall, Hall of Poetic History, and Ministry of Works Shrine in order along the central axis, then explore the Thatched Cottage Residence and Flower Path, and finally exit through the North or East Gate. The full tour takes about 2–3 hours. You can rent an audio guide or follow a docent to learn about Du Fu's life and poetic culture in depth.
Pros
Profound cultural heritage, a must-visit for literature lovers
The garden is quiet and elegant, perfect for a contemplative visit
Convenient transportation via metro and bus
Beautiful scenery in all seasons, great for photos
Cons
Crowded on holidays, which affects the experience
Some areas have been restored later, so the original historical features are limited
Few dining options inside the park; bringing snacks is recommended
Highlights
- Thatched Cottage Residence: A reconstruction of the cottage where Du Fu once lived, offering a glimpse into the life of the sage of poetry.
- Hall of Poetry and History: Displays Du Fu's life and poetic achievements; the core building of the thatched cottage.
- Flower Path: A classic garden path lined with red walls and swaying bamboo shadows.
- Grand Elegance Hall: Exhibits calligraphy by famous masters across dynasties and paintings inspired by Du Fu's poetry.
- Huanhua Shrine: An ancient shrine commemorating Tang Dynasty poetess Xue Tao, set in a tranquil garden.
FAQ
Is Du Fu's Thatched Cottage worth visiting?
Absolutely worth it. As the former residence of Du Fu during his sojourn in Chengdu, it offers not only historical relics but also beautiful garden landscapes, making it an important place to understand Du Fu's poetry and Tang Dynasty culture.
How long does a visit take?
It is generally recommended to allow 2-3 hours. If you are interested in literature or gardens, you may want to stay longer to savor the details.
Is it suitable to bring children?
Yes. The park is safe, with open lawns and gardens, making it suitable for family outings. Just be sure to keep an eye on children and avoid letting them play near the water.
Field Tips
Best photo spot 1. Flower Path Red Wall: Classic red-walled corridor with swaying bamboo shadows – snap gorgeous classical-style photos with ease. 2. Thatched Cottage Residence: Thatched roof and bamboo backdrop recreate the life scene of the Sage of Poetry. 3. Front Courtyard of the Hall of Poetic History: Ancient architecture and garden scenery combine – perfect for wide shots. 4. Waterside Pavilion at Huanhua Shrine: Pond reflections and pavilions full of antique charm. 5. Ginkgo Grove in front of Daya Hall (autumn): Golden leaves carpet the ground in rich hues.
Best entrance South Gate (main entrance)
Best exit North Gate
Location & Nearby
Nearby attractions
- Wuhou Shrine Museum (2.5 km)
- Kuanzhai Alley (2.6 km)
- Jinsha Site Museum (2.8 km)
- Joy City (4.2 km)
- Chunxi Road (5 km)