Du escaped to Hong Kong after the Kuomintang retreated to Taiwan in 1949 following their defeat by the Communists. Tales on Du's finances and power during this period vary largely — some argued that he lived in practical squalor while others said he had built up a sizable nest egg. As he gradually became blind and possibly senile, Du decided it was safe to move back to China in 1951.
Du fled to Hong Kong after the Kuomintang retreated to Taiwan in 1949 following their defeat by the Communists. There were differing accounts of Du's financial situation and power — some claimed he lived modestly while others believed he had accumulated a significant fortune. As his vision weakened and possibly his mental health, Du decided it was safe to return to China in 1951.