The Thatched Cottage of Du Fu is located at the side of the Flower Washing Brook in the western suburbs of Chengdu.  The cottage is the former residence of the famous Tang Dynasty poet, Du Fu.  In the year 759 A.D., at the age of 47, compelled by poverty and social upheaval, he moved from Gansu to the outskirts of Chengdu and built a thatched hut.  During his stay of nearly four years, he composed more than 240 poems reflecting upon the misery of the people.  The original residence disappeared long ago.  It was renovated in the Ming and Qing dynasties and enlarged to its present scale in an expansive park, including a bamboo garden, several pavilions, and a number of bridges.

Within the building, from front to back, are the poetic history halls (of particular interest to writers and scholars who come from near and far), thatched entrance, Gongbuci Temple, and Shaoling Stone Monument.  There are exhibits that provide details of Du Fu's life and work.  In addition, statues, stone carvings, paintings, and calligraphies by famous writers of different dynasties are also on display.  However, the only thing resembling a cottage is a small model.  Springtime in the park is a wonderful experience because of the beautiful mixture of flowers and traditional Chinese architecture.