Dujiangyan Scenic Area is located in the western part of Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, Sichuan Province. It is a World Cultural Heritage Site, World Natural Heritage Site, National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, and a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction. Covering an area of approximately 22,000 mu, it stands as the world's most successful damless water diversion project with a history of over two millennia. Still functioning effectively for flood control and irrigation, it has nurtured the fertile Chengdu Plain known as the "Land of Abundance." The scenic area seamlessly integrates natural landscapes with cultural heritages, showcasing the remarkable achievements of ancient Chinese hydraulic engineering and its unique water culture.
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System mainly consists of the Fish Mouth (Yuzui), Flying Sand Weir (Feisha Yan), and the Bottle Neck (Baopingkou). The Fish Mouth divides the Minjiang River into the Inner River for irrigation and the Outer River for flood diversion. The Flying Sand Weir serves to discharge excess water and sediment during floods, while the Bottle Neck controls the water flow into the irrigation network, ensuring a stable water supply for the farmlands.
Historical and Cultural Background
In ancient times, the Chengdu Plain was frequently plagued by floods, droughts, and waterlogging due to its dramatic terrain changes. After generations of efforts by the ancient Shu kings, Yu the Great, and King Bi Ling to combat these water disasters, Li Bing, a renowned engineer of the Qin Dynasty, led the construction of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, which finally brought stability, prosperity, and fertile farmlands to the region.
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System played a pivotal role in transforming the Chengdu Plain into the "Land of Abundance," contributing significantly to the unification of China by the Qin Dynasty and indirectly shaping the course of Chinese history. It is widely recognized as the cradle of world water culture.
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System adopts damless water diversion, following the principle of "not confronting water," and utilizes natural topography for water diversion, distribution, flood discharge, sediment removal, and water intake. This embodies the concept of "following the way of nature", which is not only a philosophical idea but also a practical guideline, exerting far-reaching influence on later generations.
Over two thousand years, the management of Dujiangyan has evolved into a comprehensive three-tier system involving provincial governments, local administrations, and community participation. This system has continuously improved its institutional framework and legal regulations, gradually expanding its irrigation area and enhancing its overall efficiency.
Main Attractions
Fu Long Temple
Nestled within Lidui Park, Fu Long Temple is dedicated to Li Bing and his son, who are revered for their contributions to the Dujiangyan project. The temple houses a collection of historical relics related to the irrigation system, including a stone statue of Li Bing dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty. Its ancient architecture and serene atmosphere reflect the profound respect for the engineering marvel.
Anlan Suspension Bridge
Also known as the "Couple's Bridge," Anlan Suspension Bridge spans the Inner and Outer Rivers, historically serving as a vital commercial artery between western Sichuan and Aba. Constructed with thick bamboo cables supporting wooden planks and bamboo railings, walking on the bridge offers a thrilling experience as it sways gently with each step, providing panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
Erwang Temple
Erwang Temple, built to commemorate Li Bing and his son, is constructed against the mountain with magnificent architecture. The temple houses numerous inscriptions and plaques by famous figures from various dynasties, as well as murals depicting the water control achievements of Li Bing and his son, showcasing rich hydraulic culture and historical connotations.
Fish Mouth (Yuzui)
The Fish Mouth is the key dividing structure of the Dujiangyan system, resembling a fish's mouth as it splits the Minjiang River into two branches. During flood seasons, the Outer River diverts excess water to prevent flooding, while in dry seasons, the Inner River ensures a steady water supply for irrigation, demonstrating the ingenious design of the ancient engineers.
Flying Sand Weir (Feisha Yan)
Feisha Yan (Flying Sand Weir) is located between Yuzui (Fish Mouth) and Baopingkou (Bottle Neck), serving primarily for flood discharge and sediment removal. When the water volume in the Inner River exceeds the intake capacity of Baopingkou, excess water overflows from Feisha Yan into the Outer River. Meanwhile, leveraging the principle of curved channel circulation, Feisha Yan discharges sediment from the river into the Outer River, ensuring the smooth flow of the Inner River.
Bottle Neck (Baopingkou)
The Bottle Neck is a man-made narrow channel carved through the mountain, controlling the water flow into the irrigation network. Resembling a bottle's neck, it precisely regulates the amount of water entering the Chengdu Plain, ensuring optimal irrigation while preventing floods. The construction of this channel, with its steep cliffs on both sides, exemplifies the remarkable engineering skills of ancient Chinese craftsmen.
Local Cuisine
Stewed Chicken with Ginkgo Nuts
It is made by slow-cooking high-quality free-range chicken and ginkgo nuts. The chicken is tender, the ginkgo nuts are soft and glutinous, and the soup is rich, sweet, and nutritious, with the effect of nourishing the body and promoting health.
Qingcheng Mountain Smoked Bacon
It is marinated using traditional techniques and then smoked. With a firm texture, bright red color, mellow flavor, and a perfect balance of fat and lean meat that is not greasy, it is one of the characteristic delicacies of Dujiangyan and deeply loved by tourists.
Glutinous Rice Cake with Brown Sugar
Made from steamed glutinous rice pounded into a sticky cake and coated with soybean powder and brown sugar syrup, this dessert offers a sweet and chewy texture that is both comforting and satisfying, representing a classic Sichuan snack.
Congcong Juan (Spring Rolls)
Thin rice paper wraps filled with shredded radishes, potatoes, seaweed, and other fresh ingredients, served with a special dipping sauce. This light and refreshing dish provides a burst of flavors and textures, perfect for a quick and delicious snack.
Ice Jelly (Bingfen)
A refreshing dessert made from a translucent jelly-like substance derived from natural plants, topped with brown sugar syrup, crushed peanuts, hawthorn berries, and raisins. It is a popular choice for cooling off during hot summer days and balancing the spiciness of Sichuan cuisine.
Admission Tickets
The admission ticket price is 80 yuan per person.
For the latest updates and online ticket purchases, you can search for the official WeChat public account "青城山都江堰".
Opening Hours
Summer (April 1 - October 31): 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Winter (November 1 - March 31): 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (ticket sales end at 5:00 PM)
Recommended Itinerary
A suggested one-day tour route: Yan Gong Dao - Fu Long Temple - Bottle Neck - Flying Sand Weir - Fish Mouth - Anlan Suspension Bridge - Erwang Temple. This route allows visitors to comprehensively understand the principles and history of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System while enjoying the main scenic attractions.
Transportation
- High-Speed Rail: Take the high-speed rail from Xipu Station in Chengdu to Dujiangyan Station or Lidui Park Station. Lidui Park Station is closer to the scenic area, with a 10-minute walk to the entrance.
- Bus: Within Dujiangyan City, buses No. 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10 can take you directly to the Dujiangyan Scenic Area.
- Self-Driving: From downtown Chengdu, drive along the Chengguan Expressway. The scenic area has parking facilities available.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Fish Mouth: The key water-dividing project of the Dujiangyan System, offering a direct glimpse into the ancient wisdom of harnessing natural topography for hydraulic engineering.
- Anlan Suspension Bridge: With its romantic legend of the "Couple's Bridge," walking on the bridge provides stunning views of the Minjiang River and a unique sensory experience.
- Erwang Temple: A majestic architectural complex housing abundant cultural relics and historical inscriptions related to water management, serving as a vital site to explore the history and culture of Dujiangyan.
Travel Tips
- Start your day early to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons, ensuring a more enjoyable visit.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a fair amount of walking involved throughout the scenic area.
- Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the historical and cultural significance of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System.
- During summer, bring sunscreen and hats to protect against the sun, and stay hydrated. In winter, dress warmly as temperatures can be cooler.
Precautions
- Respect the scenic area regulations and refrain from damaging cultural relics or facilities.
- When walking on Anlan Suspension Bridge, pay attention to safety and avoid frolicking or shaking the bridge.
- Keep your personal belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
- In case of adverse weather conditions, follow the instructions of the scenic area staff and seek shelter promptly.