Abstract: The friendship between Li Bai and Du Fu is considered an important literary and cultural phenomenon, and its significance goes far beyond ordinary interpersonal relationships. The friendship between the two is a great bond in the history of Chinese literature and culture, and is a model advocated by Confucianism for the intersection of righteousness. Specifically, compared to Du Fu’s hospitality towards him, Li Bai lavishes no equal response, though he is very concerned about Du Fu. In Li Bai’s social circle, Du Fu is just one common friend; in Du Fu’s social circle, Li Bai is the friend he wants to make at the first sight. Du Fu admires Li Bai’s talent and temperament, understands his poems and him as a poet, sympathizes with Li Bai’s experiences, and even defends for him. This fully demonstrates the immense charm of Li Bai’s elegant personality and unparalleled talent. Du Fu’s admiration, care, sympathy, and understanding of Li Bai also reflect Du Fu’s unique ideological qualities and spiritual needs, which plays a unique role in Du Fu’s growth, thus bearing important significance in ideological and poetic histories.

Key words: Li Bai, Du Fu, friendship, gift poem, the spirit of a gentleman