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At the Thatched Cottage, enjoy exploring the historical site associated with famous poet Du Fu. Walk through the peaceful gardens, visit the poet's former residence, and take in the scenic beauty surrounding the cottage. It's an excellent place for those interested in Chinese poetry, culture, and history.
The Thatched Cottage, located in the Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum, was restored and rebuilt in 1997 as the "Thatched Cottage Scenic Area" based on the descriptions in Du Fu's poems and the layout of the Ming Dynasty, recreating the pastoral style of the poet's former residence and creating a strong poetic atmosphere.
In the bonsai garden on the east side of the thatched cottage, there is the "Du Poems Calligraphy Woodcarving Gallery" built in 1999, which displays more than 100 Du Poems calligraphy woodcarving works, including the four masterpieces of "Du Poems Masterpiece, Calligraphy Masterpiece, Nanmu Masterpiece, and Carving Masterpiece".
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 15-30 minutes
Tickets are included in the Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum
May 1st - October 31st: 8:00-20:00
November 1st - April 30th: 8:00-18:30
Ticket sales stop 60 minutes before closing time
The Thatched Cottage is the former residence of the famous Tang dynasty poet Du Fu. It holds significant cultural value as it gives insight into Du Fu's life and poetry. The cottage is surrounded by natural beauty and is considered a symbol of Chinese literary heritage.
The Thatched Cottage is located in the western part of Chengdu, Sichuan. To get there, you can take a taxi from Chengdu city center or use public buses. It is also within walking distance from the nearby parks and scenic areas.
The Thatched Cottage is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the gardens are in full bloom.
The entrance fee is typically around 20 to 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but during peak tourist seasons, it's advised to buy tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually necessary, but it is recommended during busy tourist seasons. Booking a few days ahead is generally sufficient.
You can fully explore the Thatched Cottage in about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you spend in the gardens and reading about Du Fu's life and works. If you’re interested in taking photographs and exploring the area thoroughly, plan for 2 to 3 hours.
The must-see highlights include Du Fu's cottage, the surrounding gardens, and the memorial hall dedicated to his life and poetry. The site also features beautiful landscaping, ancient trees, and quiet areas ideal for reflection.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and English-speaking guides may be available upon request. Audio guides are also provided, typically in Chinese, but English options may be available during busy periods.
The best photography spots are around the gardens, with the Thatched Cottage as the backdrop. The surrounding bamboo groves and ancient trees also provide a serene and picturesque setting for photos.
Start with a visit to Du Fu’s residence, then explore the surrounding gardens and memorial hall. Afterward, take a stroll around the pond and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the area before heading to the main exhibition hall.
There are no night visits or light shows at the Thatched Cottage. However, special tours focused on Du Fu’s poetry and life can be arranged in advance for a deeper experience.
The site can get crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning on weekdays, particularly outside of the summer peak season.
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available. There are also a few small shops selling souvenirs and snacks, but dining options are limited inside the attraction itself.
The site is relatively accessible, though some areas with gardens may have uneven paths. Elderly visitors or those with mobility issues may need assistance, and it’s best to check with the staff for accessible routes.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. Credit card payments may not be accepted, so it’s a good idea to carry some cash.
There are no large restaurants inside the attraction, but nearby Chengdu offers plenty of dining options, including Sichuan hotpot restaurants and traditional tea houses.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many restaurants around Chengdu, though halal options are less common near the Thatched Cottage. For halal food, it’s better to head to Chengdu city center.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels near the Thatched Cottage. For more luxurious options, it’s better to stay in central Chengdu, which is about a 20-minute drive from the site.
Nearby attractions include the Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. All are within a short drive and can be easily combined into a day trip.
There are souvenir shops inside the attraction selling traditional Chinese items, such as poetry scrolls, calligraphy sets, and Du Fu-themed memorabilia. Other local crafts can also be found in nearby shops in Chengdu.
After visiting, taxis are the most convenient way to continue your trip. Alternatively, public buses are available, though they may take longer and require a transfer.
