Located to the east of the Ministry of Works Temple, there stands a pavilion with a thatched roof, known as the Shaoling Thatched Pavilion. It is one of the most representative structures of Du Fu’s Cottage. This pavilion features a thatched roof and houses a stone stele inside, inscribed with the four characters ‘Shaoling Cottage’, written in a robust and graceful calligraphy by Prince Yongli. Du Fu often referred to himself as ‘Du Lin Bu Yi’ or ‘Shao Ling Ye Lao’ in his poems, hence he is also known as Du Shaoling by later generations, and his cottage is referred to as Shaoling Cottage.
The pavilion is backed by a lotus pond, surrounded and shaded by vibrant flowers, plants, and bamboo, creating an elegant and pleasant view. At the end of the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, a grass pavilion was built within the temple complex, named ‘Qiankun Cottage’, symbolizing the thatched cottage of Du Fu’s era, in commemoration of the poetic sage. The site is open all year round, with full-day access.
