The former residence where Du Fu stayed in Chengdu

As soon as you step through the red gate, the sound of cicadas has already filtered out most of the noise. The lotus pond by the wooden gate is truly breathtaking, with lotus leaves stretching to the horizon and pink-and-white blossoms peeking shyly through them; crouching down to watch the fish makes you understand what “green grass by the steps blooms with spring’s own hue” means.

The stone steps of the thatched cottage gleam, and bamboo shadows sweep across the white walls—every line from our textbooks seems to come alive.

Come in plain colors after four in the afternoon; sunlight filters through the bamboo grove, casting dappled light. The thatched cottage, flower-lined paths, and lotus pond take turns as photo backdrops, all set against a serene, sparsely populated scene.

Sitting on a stone bench, listening to the wind rustle the bamboo leaves, you feel as if you’re sharing the same cool breeze with Du Fu.