Dujiangyan Irrigation System

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!

FAQ

Why is Dujiangyan’s "Fish Mouth" shaped like a fish?

The "Fish Mouth" (a triangular dyke) is shaped like a fish to reduce water resistance, splitting the Minjiang River into inner and outer streams

How to tour Dujiangyan following the "irrigation principles" theme to understand its engineering logic?

Start at the Fish Mouth to learn about water diversion. Move to the Flying Sand Weir to observe sediment removal. Visit the Precious Bottle Neck to see water control in action. End at Erwang Temple to study Li Bing’s management rules—each stop connects to the next, revealing the system’s "smart design."

What unique rituals are held during the annual "Water Release Festival"?

On April 5th, locals dress as ancient officials to reenact Li Bing’s "water release" ceremony: they remove a stone marker (indicating the dredging depth) and let water flow into farmland.

What’s the easiest way to get from Dujiangyan to Qingcheng Mountain after your visit?

Take bus No. 101 from "Dujiangyan Scenic Area" to "Qingcheng Mountain Front Gate" (30 minutes, ¥2). It’s direct and runs every 15 minutes, perfect for combining both UNESCO sites in one day.

What "irrigation-themed" souvenirs can you take home?

Mini replicas of the Fish Mouth or Precious Bottle Neck, with explanations of their functions. Bamboo baskets (like those used for dredging) woven with patterns of the river. Postcards with photos of the system in different seasons, paired with Li Bing’s quotes.

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