Location & Transportation

Du Fu Thatched Cottage - Ministry Hall sits inside the sprawling Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum, tucked at 28 Caotang Road, Qingyang District. To get there, take Metro Line 4 to Baiguolin station, then walk 10 minutes through a lush park. Buses 82/165/19 also drop you nearby. If driving, park at the museum’s entrance—it’s worth the trip for history buffs and poetry lovers!

Natural Scenery: A Peaceful Retreat

The cottage is surrounded by bamboo groves, lotus ponds, and winding paths that feel like a timeless escape. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the rooftops, while autumn brings golden ginkgo leaves. The garden’s ancient cypress trees and stone bridges over streams create postcard-worthy views. Bring a camera—every corner feels like a poem!

Cultural Highlights: The Ministry Hall

A Tribute to Poetry

Du Fu Thatched Cottage - Ministry Hall is the heart of the museum. It’s named after Du Fu’s title, “Grand Minister of Works” (a government role he held briefly). This five-hall complex ends with the Ministry Hall as the grand finale. Inside, you’ll find:

  • Du Fu’s clay statue from the Qing Dynasty, flanked by two other poets, Lu You and Huang Tingjian, who also lived in Sichuan.
  • A Qing Dynasty stone carving of Du Fu’s face, the oldest artifact here.
  • Walls covered in intricate stone engravings, including a “Shaoling Thatched Cottage Map” from the Qianlong era. This map helped restore the cottage’s original look after the 1940s!

Clever Wordplay on the Door

Before entering, spot the witty couplet by He Shaoji (a Qing scholar):
“The spring breeze of Brocade River belongs to you,
On Human Day, I return to the Thatched Cottage.”
It references Du Fu’s famous poem about visiting the cottage on Human Day (a traditional Chinese festival).

Visitor Tips: What to Expect

  • Tickets: Adults pay ¥50 ($7), students/seniors less. Buy online to skip lines.
  • Guided Tours: Audio guides rent for ¥20 and share poem recitals in English!
  • Souvenirs: The gift shop sells calligraphy scrolls of Du Fu’s work and tea sets shaped like cottage roofs.
  • Rest Areas: Sip tea in the bamboo pavilion or grab snacks at the museum café.

The Full Experience: More Than a Museum

Wander beyond the Ministry Hall to see reconstructed huts where Du Fu wrote poems. Kids love the interactive exhibit where they can stamp poems into clay tablets. For a deeper dive, check the rotating art exhibits in the East Hall.

Best Time to Visit: Mornings (fewer crowds) or weekdays. Avoid noon heat; shaded areas are limited.

This place isn’t just about looking—it’s about feeling. Sit by the pony-tailed willows near the hall, listen to a guide recite “Thatched Cottage in the Rain”, and imagine Du Fu watching the same skies. Even if you’re not a poetry expert, Du Fu Thatched Cottage - Ministry Hall offers a peaceful, beautiful day—and a peek into China’s soul.