Du Fu Thatched Village is located
in western suburbs of Chengdu Du Fu (712 - 770) was
one of the greatest poets during the Tang Dynasty.
He was born into a minor official's family, and acquired
a wide range of knowledge since his childhood. Du
Fu traveled China extensively in his youth, and settled
down in Xian when he was 47. At that time, Xian was the capital
city of the Tang Dynasty. Later on, he was compelled
by the poverty to move to the out skirts of Chengdu in Sichuan Province.
Du Fu wrote over 1,400 poems in
his life time, and during his four years at the Du
Fu village, he wrote over 240 poems. The Tang Dynasty
was in decline during his time, and many of his poems
reflects the misery and suffering of the people.
Du Fu Thatched Village Museum
The Du Fu Thatched Village Museum
is a sacred land of poetry and a national treasure
dedicated to one of China's greatest poets. The museum
covers an area of 39.5 acres.
This statue is at the main entrance of Du Fu
Thatched Village.
At the Du Fu Thatched Village, you'll
see life sized statue of the poet Du Fu. There is
also a memorial hall displaying steles, stone tablets,
clay sculptures, and poetry of the poet. On display
in his study at the back of the cottage are over 150
copies of Du Fu poems, including some woodblock-printed
texts.
Tour of Du Fu Thatched Village
There are three main entrances to
the Du Fu village: the main entrance, the North gate,
and the South gate. Touring from the north gate you
will first find the Relic Site of the Tang dynasty
going east from the entrance. The relic site was discovered
in 2001, and various ceramic utensils from the Tang
Dynasty was uncovered.
Heading south from the Relic site,
you will reach the scenic spot of the Thatched Village.
It's a very basic type of building that closely resembles
what the buildings looked like back then. The village
was restored in 1997 based on descriptions from Du
Fu Poems, and other historical information. See photo
below:
A photo of the thatched village.
Going south west from the thatched
village, you will see the Shaoling Tablet, Water and
Bamboo Court, which then leads you through the Wicket
Gate that leads to the Hall of Poetic History. Going
directly east from here, the Flower Path will take
you to the Elegance Hall (Da Ya Tang)
Photo of the court yard in front of the Elegance
Hall with a life sized statue of the Poet Du Fu.
Head more east from the Elegance
hall, you will see the Ten-thousand Buddha Tower.
Standing in front of the Ten Thousand Buddha Tower.
When you are finished touring, you
can exit through the south gate. The tour will take
you about 3 to 4 hours.
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