Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Dujiangyan, a 2,300-year-old marvel of ancient engineering, channels the Minjiang River to irrigate Chengdu Plain and prevent floods. Built in 256 BCE by Qin Dynasty governor Li Bing and his son, it’s the world’s oldest operational water-control system, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Without dams, it harmoniously divides water into irrigation canals using natural topography, feeding 668,700 hectares of farmland and inspiring modern hydrology. A testament to sustainable innovation, it’s equally revered for its serene riverside temples and pagodas.
Historical Overview
Qin Dynasty Origins: Constructed c. 256 BCE to tame flood-prone Minjiang River and transform Sichuan into a “Land of Plenty.”
Tang to Qing Dynasties: Enhanced with stone dikes and spillways; survived earthquakes, including the 2008 Wenchuan quake.
1949–Present: Modernized with monitoring systems while preserving ancient structures; recognized globally for ecological design.
Cultural Significance: Honored as a “National Treasure” and pilgrimage site for engineers and historians.
Structural Layout
The system comprises three core components:Yuzui (Fish Mouth) Split: A rock-weir dike dividing the river into inner (irrigated) and outer (flood-relief) channels.
Feishayan (Flying Sand Weir): An overflow spillway that expels silt and excess water during floods.
Baopingkou (Bottle-Neck Channel): A narrow engineered gorge regulating water flow to farmland.
Secondary features include Erwang Temple (honoring Li Bing) and Anlan Suspension Bridge (a 5th-century bamboo-and-rope crossing rebuilt in stone).
Major Attractions
Fish Mouth Levee: Observe the river’s bifurcation and silt-separation process.
Feishayan Spillway: Witness floodwater cascading over the weir during rainy seasons (June–September).
Baopingkou: Hike the steep stone channel flanked by guardian deity statues.
Erwang Temple: Explore shrines to Li Bing and his son, with Qing Dynasty murals and a 4.5-ton “Iron Ox” flood gauge.
Anlan Bridge: Cross the Minjiang River on China’s oldest surviving suspension bridge (5th century CE).
Lidui Park: A riverside garden with a 3D model of the system and a teahouse overlooking the irrigation network.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2 hours):
Visitor Center → Yuzui → Feishayan → Baopingkou → Anlan Bridge → Erwang Temple.
Highlights: Core engineering structures and temple history.
- Cultural Route (3 hours):
Add: Lidui Park (model and tea break) → Fulong Temple (for relics of Li Bing’s tomb).
Highlights: Engineering insights and local folklore.
- Deep Dive (4–5 hours):
Include all sites, plus a guided tour of the Sichuan Agricultural Museum (nearby) and a riverside hotpot lunch.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Ctrip, Fliggy, or the official Dujiangyan website (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at the Visitor Center; limited same-day slots.
- Prices:
Peak Season (April–October): ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (November–March): ¥60 (adults), ¥30 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.3m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
By Train:High-Speed Rail: Chengdu East Station → Dujiangyan Station (30 mins, ¥15), then bus #4 or #6 to the park.
Intercity Express: Chengdu North Station → Lidui Park Station (45 mins, ¥10), 10-minute walk to entrance.
By Bus:Chengdu Xinnanmen Station → Dujiangyan Coach Station (1.5 hours, ¥15), then taxi to park.
By Taxi: Direct from Chengdu (1 hour, ≈¥150–200).
Best Time & Tips
Visit Early: Arrive by 8 AM to avoid crowds (opens 8:00 AM); Feishayan’s spillway is most dramatic in summer.
Avoid Weekends: Tour groups flood the site; weekdays are quieter.
Pack: Waterproof shoes (mist from spillways), sunscreen, and a hat.
- Essentials:
Bring cash for temple offerings and street snacks (try doujiang soy milk and zongzi rice dumplings).
Hire a guide (¥150–200) to decode engineering details.
Pro Tip: Combine with a trip to Mount Qingcheng (20 mins by taxi), a Taoist mountain retreat!
