“Nine heavens open up a Chengdu, ten thousand households and a thousand doors paint a picturesque scene.” “In the morning, look at the damp red; flowers weigh down the brocade city.” “The window frames the autumn snow on the West Mountain; the door moors boats from the East Wu for a thousand miles.” These are familiar lines from classical poetry that beautifully capture the essence of Chengdu.
Chengdu boasts a history of over 2,300 years as a city, recognized as a national historical and cultural hub and one of China’s top ten ancient capitals. During the Tang Dynasty, Chengdu flourished with rich resources and vibrant commerce, embodying the title of “Land of Abundance” more than ever. It was said that “One from Yangzhou is better than two from Yizhou” and “All the poets of the world flock to Shu.” Nearly 200 poets have penned around 1,000 poems about Chengdu, with over 50 poets who had never even visited the city still writing more than 100 poems dedicated to it.
Among these poets, the most famous is Du Fu, often referred to as the “Sage of Poetry.” To escape the turmoil of the An-Shi Rebellion, Du Fu moved with his family to Sichuan, where he built a thatched cottage known as “Du Fu Cottage.” He lived there for nearly four years and composed over 240 poems, with one of his most renowned works being “Song of the Thatched Cottage Blown by Autumn Winds.” After Du Fu’s departure, the cottage fell into ruin, but it was later reconstructed as the present-day “Du Fu Thatched Cottage,” a site where visitors can explore the poet’s legacy.
Another notable figure is Xue Tao, who moved to Sichuan with her father in her youth and later became a talented courtesan and poet. Her literary contributions are preserved in her collection, “Poems of Xue Tao.” To honor her memory, Wangjiang Pavilion Park was established, featuring Xue Tao Well, where she is said to have drawn water to make her writing paper.
Chengdu’s rich poetic heritage is a testament to its cultural significance, inviting visitors and residents alike to immerse themselves in the city’s historical and artistic legacy. Whether through the works of Du Fu or Xue Tao, the spirit of poetry remains vibrant in the heart of Chengdu, enriching its charm and allure.