Du Fu Jiang Pavilion is located at No. 108, Second Section of Xiangjiang Middle Road, Tianxin District, Changsha City, Hunan Province, on the Xiangjiang Scenic Belt where Xihu Road intersects with Xiangjiang Avenue. Built to commemorate Du Fu, a poet of the Tang Dynasty, this garden-style ancient architectural complex features overhanging eaves, bracket sets, carved beams, and painted rafters, exuding grandeur. It is the largest Tang-style architectural complex in Changsha. The pavilion's garden area covers more than 6,000 square meters, with a construction area of 3,800 square meters. The main pavilion has four floors and stands 18 meters high.
History and Culture
In the third year of the Dali period (768) of the Tang Dynasty, Du Fu traveled from Sichuan to Hunan to seek refuge with his old friend Wei Zhijin, only to find Wei had passed away. Impoverished and ill, Du Fu spent his last two years in Changsha. He first lived on a boat, then rented a building by the Xiangjiang River outside Xiaoximen, naming it "Jiang Pavilion." During his stay in Changsha, Du Fu composed more than 100 poems, over 50 of which were written here, such as Meeting Li Guinian in the South and Leaving Tanzhou, enriching Huxiang culture. As early as the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, scholars proposed building a river pavilion, poetry steles, and a statue for Du Fu. In 2002, Changsha City decided to construct Du Fu Jiang Pavilion along the Xiangjiang River, which was completed in 2005 and officially opened to the public in 2006.
Main Attractions
Du Fu Memorial Hall (1st Floor)
A statue of Du Fu stands in the center of the hall, with a large wooden bas-relief Tracks of Du Gongbu in Xiaoxiang on the front wall, depicting Du Fu's life in Hunan. The hall's sides display Du Fu's poems and poetic paintings inscribed by Zhang Daqian, Lin Sanzhi, and others, along with couplets, poetry-painted vases, antique mahogany screens, flower racks, tables, and rare potted plants, exuding a rich cultural atmosphere.
Exhibition of Du Fu's Life (3rd Floor)
This exhibition highlights Du Fu's poems written during his three years in Hunan through poetry and paintings, divided into six sections: Family Background, Travels, Aspirations, Poetic History, Soul of Xiang, and Glory. It displays over 100 items, including pictures, poetry paintings, Du Fu's poetry editions, and physical materials. The exhibition walls feature a "wanzi grid" (ten-thousand-character grid) door and window design, matching the pavilion's architectural style.
Literary Gathering and Boutique Exhibition Space (4th Floor)
Divided into three areas—model display, literary gathering, and visitor rest—the hall center showcases a model of Jiang Pavilion. The sides are furnished with Qing Dynasty mahogany furniture, four treasures of the study, antiques, calligraphy, paintings, Hunan embroidery, and rare stones. The walls display story paintings of Changsha's cultural figures, telling tales of Qu Yuan, Jia Yi, and other historical celebrities.
Poetry Stele Corridor
Located in the north-south corridors of the pavilion, this corridor features steles inscribed with Du Fu's poems on both sides of the pillars. It includes fan-shaped and curved corridors with steles arranged decoratively.
Hexagonal Stele Pavilion
North of Du Fu Jiang Pavilion, this double-eave pavilion houses a stele recording the origin and process of Changsha Municipal Government's construction of Du Fu Jiang Pavilion.
Delicacies
Sugar Oil Baba
A traditional Changsha snack made from glutinous rice flour and sugar, featuring a golden-yellow color, crispy exterior, soft interior, and sweet taste.
Stinky Tofu
Famous for its strong odor and delicious taste, this snack is made from high-quality soybeans through processes like soaking, grinding, filtering, curdling, pre-fermentation, pickling, and soup infusion, resulting in a crispy outer skin and tender core.
Flavored Shrimp
Prepared with crayfish in various flavors (commonly spicy and hot), this dish features firm shrimp meat and rich taste, making it a popular choice in Changsha's night markets and restaurants.
Nearby areas like Pozi Street and Taiping Old Street offer numerous delicacies, including classic Hunan dishes such as Chopped Chili Fish Head, Mao's Braised Pork, and Spiced Snails, as well as various specialty snacks and desserts.
Tickets
Admission: 18 RMB per person.
For the latest updates or online booking, search for the official WeChat public account "杜甫江阁 城发文旅".
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open from 9:00 to 22:00 (last entry at 21:30). The Tang-style theme space "Happy Encounter" on the 1st floor is open from 10:30 to 21:30. Summer lighting hours: 19:30 to 22:30.
Tour Route
Start by visiting Du Fu Memorial Hall on the 1st floor, then proceed to the 3rd floor to explore Du Fu's life exhibition, followed by the 4th floor for boutique displays and cultural story paintings. Next, stroll through the Poetry Stele Corridor to admire Du Fu's poems inscribed on steles, and finally climb to the observation deck to overlook the Xiangjiang River, Orange Island, and Yuelu Mountain. Alternatively, prioritize attractions based on personal interest and gradually explore other areas. For a richer experience, visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the illuminated pavilion and Xiangjiang's night view.
Transportation
- Metro: Take Line 1 to Nanmenkou Station, exit via Gate 1, and walk 10 minutes along Xiangjiang Middle Road.
- Bus: Take Bus Routes 1, 123, or 406 and alight at Du Fu Jiang Pavilion Station.
- Taxi/Car: Navigate to "Du Fu Jiang Pavilion." Paid parking is available nearby (10-15 RMB per hour), but spaces are limited during peak seasons.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Observation Deck (4th Floor): Offers a 360° view of the Xiangjiang River, Orange Island, Chairman Mao's Statue, and Yuelu Mountain, especially spectacular when the pavilion is illuminated.
- Du Fu Memorial Hall (1st Floor): Features a statue of Du Fu and the wooden bas-relief Tracks of Du Gongbu in Xiaoxiang, vividly presenting Du Fu's life in Hunan with high artistic and cultural value.
- Poetry Stele Corridor: Located in the north-south corridors, it displays steles with Du Fu's poems, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the charm of his poetry.
Tour Tips
- Visit in the late afternoon or evening to enjoy the illuminated pavilion and romantic Xiangjiang night view.
- Participate in special activities like the "Happy Encounter" Tang-style interactive night tour for an immersive experience of Tang culture.
- Bring a notebook to collect 8 free thematic stamps at the Tang-style space on the 1st floor.
- Research Du Fu's experiences and poems in Changsha beforehand to enhance the visiting experience if interested in his culture.
Notes
- Adhere to the opening hours and enter/exit on time.
- Maintain silence during the visit to avoid disturbing other visitors.
- Protect the scenic environment: do not litter or touch exhibits and cultural relics.
- Ensure safety when visiting high places like the observation deck; do not lean on railings.
- Secure personal belongings during holidays or peak seasons due to large crowds.