 Both Du Hongjian's great-grandfather Du Yikuan () and grandfather Du Chengzhi () were low level officials.His father Du Pengju () served as a prefectural prefect and was known for his knowledge as a physician — knowledge he learned because his mother was frequently ill — in addition to being an official.Du Pengju's cousin Du Xian served as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong's nephew Emperor Xuanzong.