Henan | Du Fu's Hometown | A Thousand Years of Moonlight in the Poetry Sage's Birthplace

Gongyi, Henan, is the place of birth of the poetry sage, Du Fu. The Du Fu Hometown Scenic Area is backed by Mount Bijia and faces the Jiesi River. It features Tang Dynasty-style architecture, with red walls and gray tiles echoing a thousand years of poetic charm. This is not only the inspiration for Du Fu's famous line, "The dew from tonight is white, the moon is bright in my hometown," but also vividly recreates the poet's turbulent life and patriotic feelings through exhibition areas such as the Poetry Sage Hall and the Birth Kiln. The scenic area integrates historical scene restoration, intangible cultural heritage performances, and modern light and shadow technology, making it a benchmark for in-depth experiences of Central Plains culture. --- Travel Guide 🗺️ **Highlights**: 1. **Poetry Sage Hall and Birth Kiln**: The Poetry Sage Hall uses holographic projections and cultural relics to systematically showcase the creative background and ideological context of Du Fu's more than 1,400 poems. The Birth Kiln is Du Fu's place of birth. The kiln is 20 meters deep and completely preserves the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. The entrance is embedded with a Qing Dynasty inscription, "Birthplace of the Poetry Sage." 2. **Mount Bijia and the Si River**: Ascend Mount Bijia and overlook the unique landform of the three peaks resembling a pen holder. The Si River winds below, recreating the imagery from Du Fu's poem, "Autumn wind chills the Chu bamboo, night snow brings spring to Gongyi's plum blossoms." 3. **Night Light Show**: Using the mountain as a backdrop, the scenic area presents the drama "Du Fu's Return" with laser projections, transforming the "Three Officials" and "Three Farewells" into dynamic poetic scrolls. Combined with fireworks and sound effects, it recreates the passage of time from the prosperous Tang Dynasty to the era of war and chaos. **🎫Tickets and Opening Hours**: - **Tickets**: 30 CNY for adults, free for those over 70; guided tours are 60 CNY per session. - **Opening Hours**: Summer 08:00-18:30, Winter 08:00-17:30. It is recommended to allow 3-4 hours for your visit. **🍝Food Recommendations**: Farmhouse restaurants around the scenic area offer Gongyi specialties. Must-tries include **Heluo Tofu** (tender tofu with a secret sauce), **Stewed Noodles** (handmade wide noodles with mutton soup), and **Gongyi Persimmon Vinegar** for a refreshing, sour, and palate-cleansing experience. --- Accommodation Recommendations 🏠 1. **Bijia Mountain Residence**: A 5-minute walk from the south gate of the scenic area, it features a Chinese courtyard design. Rooms are decorated with Du Fu's poetry collections and Heluo paper-cutting artwork. Free Hanfu rental service is available. 2. **Shiyun Inn**: Located on the banks of the Si River, offering panoramic views of Mount Bijia from the windows. At night, you can enjoy the reflection of lights on the river surface. The inn has a tea room and regularly hosts Du Fu poetry reading events. --- Transportation Guide 🚗 - **By Car**: From Zhengzhou, take the Lianhuo Expressway to the Gongyi East exit. Follow the signs to the scenic area for about 15 minutes. Parking is 10 CNY per day. - **Public Transportation**: Take a bus from Zhengzhou Central Bus Station to Gongyi (1.5 hours), then transfer to bus No. 1 or 12 to the scenic area (20 minutes). Whether you're tracing the footsteps of the poetry sage, experiencing intangible cultural heritage crafts, or immersing yourself in the poetic realm of light and shadow, Du Fu's Hometown, with its profound cultural heritage and innovative expression, brings a thousand years of literature to life.🌙