Fan Chengda’s (范成大) extensive corpus of rural poetry holds a distinctive place in the history of Chinese literature. Subsequent literati engaged with his works through imitation and critical appreciation, demonstrating multifaceted reception patterns: some embraced his expressions of compassion for the nation and its people, others perpetuated or expanded his detailed depictions of rural landscapes and folk customs, while still others engaged in poetic discourse. Fan’s rural poetry, characterized by its refined and elegant aesthetics, profoundly influenced the evolution of China’s pastoral cultural tradition. The enduring appeal of his works can be attributed to several factors: his exemplary scholar-official persona and personal charisma, the structured yet accessible composition of his poetry, the gentle and refreshing style that resonated with literati seeking innovation, and his judicious use of classical allusions (典致) that enhanced readability. From the Song to Qing Dynasties, the imitation and critical appreciation of Fan’s rural poetry elevated his reception to new heights, marking both expansion and deepening of his literary influence. This study offers fresh insights into the mechanisms behind Fan’s lasting legacy in Chinese poetic tradition.