1. Things to Know before You Go
Dujiangyan Irrigation System, the only water diversion project without a dam in the world, which has the longest history and it is still in use now. First built in more than 2,000 years ago, it has already withstood countless floods, storms, and earthquakes. However, it has always remained unbreakable. Thanks to its existence, Chengdu Plain has become "a vast expanse of fertile land", giving rise to the present "Land of Abundance".
Currently, Dujiangyan Irrigation System is mainly composed of three major parts: Fish Mouth Dike for water diversion (Yuzui 鱼嘴), Flying Sand Weir for flood discharge (Feishayan飞沙堰), and Bottle-Neck Inlet (Baopingkou 宝瓶口), all of them play a critical role of flood control and irrigation.
What is worth mentioning is that the area near the Dujiangyan Irrigation System is beautiful in scenery and rich in cultural relics and historic sites, mainly including Fulong Temple, Erwang Temple, Anlan Rope Bridge, Yulei Pass, and Lidui Park, etc.
2. Why is Dujiangyan Irrigation System so Special?
The uniqueness of Dujiangyan Irrigation System lies in its ingenious design, long history, and continuous functionality.
Water Diversion without a Dam and Natural Water Diversion
Dujiangyan Irrigation System, which is one of the few water conservancy projects in the world that diverts water without a dam. Its three main projects, namely the Fish Mouth Dike for water diversion, the Feisha Weir for flood discharge, and the Bottle-Neck Inlet for water intake, they cleverly harness the principles of natural terrain and river dynamics to achieve the functions of automatic water diversion, sediment removal, and water volume regulation. Fish Mouth Dike divides the Min River into the Inner River and the Outer River, the Inner River is used for irrigation, and the Outer River is employed for flood discharge. Feisha Weir uses its centrifugal force to discharge sediment into the Outer River, therefore reducing sedimentation in the Inner River while Bottle-Neck Inlet controls the amount of water entering the Chengdu Plain, it hence avoids flood disasters.
Long History and Continuous Use to This Day
Dujiangyan Irrigation System was initially constructed around 256 BC, under the supervision of Li Bing and his son, the governors of Shu County during the Qin Dynasty, irrigating a wider array of farmlands in the Chengdu Plain, so it is hailed as a "living water conservancy museum".
Eco-friendly and Sustainable Development
The design of Dujiangyan Irrigation System fully respects the laws of nature and does not damage the ecological environment of Min River, it therefore reflects the ancient philosophical idea and attaches much importance to harmony between man and nature. Compared with modern water irrigation projects, it does not rely on large dams or mechanical devices, hence reducing the potential impact on the ecosystem.
The Combination of Science and Art
The engineering design of Dujiangyan Irrigation System demonstrates the high intelligence of the ancient Chinese in the fields of water conservancy, geography, and physics. Its layout is integrated with the surrounding natural landscape and forms a unique cultural landscape, thus it has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2000.
Far-reaching Impact on the Chengdu Plain
The completion of Dujiangyan Irrigation System has transformed the Chengdu Plain from an area prone to floods and droughts into the "Land of Abundance". It has laid a solid foundation for the agricultural, economic, and cultural development of the Sichuan region. Its peculiarity depends on the fact that it is not only an outstanding representative of ancient science and technology but also a model of harmonious coexistence between human and nature.
3. How to Get to Dujiangyan Irrigation System
3.1 Traffic Information
By Bus
You can take a direct bus to Dujiangyan at Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station (茶店子汽车站) or Xin Nanmen Bus Station (新南门车站). It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Dujiangyan Passenger Transport Center with the departure timetable from 6:30 to 19:00. In addition, you can take Bus No. 1 in Dujiangyan and get off at Erwang Temple Station (二王庙站) to reach the Dujiangyan Scenic Spot.
By Intercity Railway
Take the intercity railway from Chengdu Railway Station, which is known as Chengdu North Station to Dujiangyan Railway Station. The journey takes about 30 minutes and the ticket price is 15 yuan/ person, or you can take the intercity railway from Xipu Station (犀浦站) to Dujiangyan Railway Station, which is about 20 minutes.
In comparison with the ticket price 15 yuan from Chengdu Railway Station to Dujiangyan City, it is only 10 yuan from Xipu Station to Dujiangyan City.
By High-speed Rail
Take Metro Line 2 in Chengdu to Xipu Station (犀浦站)and then you can take the high-speed rail to arrive in Lidui Park Station (离堆公园站) of Dujiangyan with 30 minutes' journey, and the ticket price is 10 yuan. You can also take the high-speed rail from Xipu Station to Dujiangyan Station, and then transfer to Bus No. 4 or No. 9. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the entrance of the scenic area of Dujiangyan.
3.2 Opening Time & Ticket Information
Ticket: RMB 90/person
Address: On the Minjiang River at the west of Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province, China
Opening time: March 2 to November 30: 08:00 - 18:00; December 1st to next March 1st: 08:00 -17:30
Time needed: 3-4 hours
Best Time: March to May, September to November
Suited to: Cultural lovers, travel enthusiasts, pencandu wisata
4. Highlights of Dujiangyan Irrigation System
4.1 Lidui Park 离堆公园
Lidui Park is also known as the Ancient Lidui Garden, most people choose to enter the Dujiangyan Scenic Area from this entrance. As the name implies, "Lidui" means "a small pile of stones separated from the mountain body alone". Although the Lidui Park is not large, it is lush with evergreen trees and has winding paths leading to secluded and quiet places, making it an excellent place for leisure walks.
4.2 Dujiangyan Scenic Area
4.2.1 Iron Pillars 卧铁
After entering the Dujiangyan scenic area, not far away is a small square. Below the circular fountain in the center of the square, there are four horizontally lying iron pillars called as "lying iron". The lying iron serves as the function for dredging the riverbed in the Inner River, and it is also a sign for the annual maintenance and dredging depth of the Inner River's riverbed. It is said that when Li Bing built the weir, he buried stone horses under the riverbed of the Inner River as the standard for the annual dredging depth, which later evolved into the lying iron. Currently, there are four lying irons that were buried in the fourth year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, the third year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, the sixteenth year of the Republic of China, and 1994 respectively. The ones we see now are replicas of these four lying irons, and the genuine ones are still buried under the riverbed of the Inner River.
4.2.2 Fulong Temple 伏龙观
Fulong Temple in Lidui Park is another wonderful attraction in the park. The legend has it that when Li Bing and his son harnessed the water, they subdued an evil dragon under Lidui Park, so it was named "Fulong Temple" with three layers of halls. In the front hall, there stands a stone statue of Li Bing carved in the Eastern Han Dynasty in the center. Inside the hall, there are also stone statues of the weir workers from the Eastern Han Dynasty and the relics of the Golden Immortal and Princess Yuzhen of the Tang Dynasty when they practiced Taoism on Qingcheng Mountain - the Flying Dragon Tripod. In the center of the front hall of Fulong Temple, there is a stone statue of Li Bing, which is a cultural relic salvaged from the river during a construction project in 1974. The viewing pavilion in the temple is an excellent location to view the Feisha Weir, Anlan Rope Bridge, and the Fish Mouth.
4.2.3 Bottle-Neck Inlet 宝瓶口
Bottle-Neck Inlet or Baopingkou (宝瓶口) is the first water irrigation project upon entering the Dujiangyan Scenic Area. It is a water channel less than 20 meters wide excavated by Li Bing. However, it controls the path through which the water of the Inner River enters the Chengdu Plain, hence regulating the amount of water flowing into the Chengdu Plain. When viewed from a high place, its shape is just like the narrow mouth of a bottle, coupled with the builders' expectation of "blessing for peace", so it is named "Baopingkou", the best place to overlook it is the top floor of Fulong Temple, where you can enjoy the magnificent scene of the surging river water flowing through it.
4.2.4 Flying Sand Weir 飞沙堰
Flying Sand Weir is also named Feishayan in Chinese, it is the second major project of Dujiangyan Irrigation System. It performs an important role in the flood discharge, sediment removal, and water volume regulation, and also it is the key point to ensure that the Chengdu Plain is free from water disasters. The main function of the Flying Sand Weir is that when the water volume of the Inner River exceeds the upper limit of the flow rate of Bottle-Neck Inlet, the redundant water will overflow from the Feisha Weir on its own. In case of extremely severe floods, it will even burst the embankment by itself, end it up with allowing a large amount of river water to return to the Min River. Another function of Feishayan is "sediment removal". When the Min River rushes down from the mountains with carrying plenty of sediment and stones provided that they are allowed to flow downstream along the Inner River, they will clog Bottle-Neck Inlet and the irrigation area. The Flying Sand Weir neatly utilizes the centrifugal force of the water flow and endows the embankment with the ability to clean sediment on its own, thus making it unique and miraculous among many water conservancy projects. Especially in summer, when the water volume of the Min River is sufficient, Feisha Weir may look even more spectacular.
4.2.5 Fish Mouth 鱼嘴
The Fish Mouth or Yuzui in Chinese is the water diversion project of Dujiangyan, it gets its name because it is shaped like a fish's mouth and is situated at the deepest part of Dujiangyan Scenic Area. Considered as the symbol and the most essential attraction of the whole scenic area, Fish Mouth focuses on the "water diversion without a dam". During the rainy season, Fish Mouth regulates the rainfall and it ensures that the Inner River is not invaded by floods. During the dry season, the Fish Mouth diverts water into the river, providing water for the crops in the Chengdu Basin. Consequently, Fish Mouth acts as a dam that divides the water between the Inner River and the Outer River as well as guarantees the sustainable development in Chengdu Plain.
4.3 Yulei Mountain Area
Another highlight of Dujiangyan Scenic Area is Yulei Mountain, it has the highest point and offers an excellent location to overlook the whole irrigation project and the breathtaking panorama of Dujiangyan.
4.3.1 Erwang Temple 二王庙
Erwang Temple sits in the hillside on the right bank of the Min River, it is a must-pass on the way to the Fish Mouth of Dujiangyan and is also a great place to look down at the Feisha Weir, the temple was built to commemorate the great achievements of Li Bing and his son and their statues are inside it. What's more, there are inscriptions of the "Three-Character Classic of Water Control" on the stone wall and a stilted building hanging over the cliff on the east side of the main hall, which is shaded and cool. When you are tired from walking, you can take a rest and have a cup of tea. During the Wenchuan Earthquake, Erwang Temple was severely damaged, but it has regained its strong incense after reconstruction. What's worth mentioning is that there is also a temple fair from the 24th to the 26th of the sixth lunar month every year, which attracts a large amount of people to take part in.
4.3.2 Anlan Cable Bridge 安澜索桥
Regarded as one of the five famous ancient bridges in China, Anlan Cable Bridge in front of Erwang Temple spans across the water dividing point between the Inland River and the Outer Stream. When the water volume is large, the waves can directly splash onto your feet and you may feel the bridge swaying sometimes, but its maintenance on both sides of the bridge is pretty good, which makes it very suitable for taking photos.
4.3.3 Yulei Pavilion 玉垒阁
Yulei Pavilion is an antique-style tower with six floors, about 44 meters high, it is majestic in momentum and beautiful in shape. Situated at the highest point of Yulei Mountain, it is also the commanding heights in the whole Dujiangyan Scenic Area. When you climb up to Yulei Pavilion to experience the magnificent view of Dujiangyan from the highest perspective, you will be obsessed with the stunning views there. Fortunately, if visitors enter and visit the Dujiangyan Scenic Area from here at the beginning, most of the journey is downhill, therefore saving a lot of time and energy, so it is worth trying.
4.4 Dujiangyan South Bridge 都江堰南桥
The main entrance of Dujiangyan Scenic Area is right beside the square of South Bridge, which was built in the Qing Dynasty, actually it was established in 1878. Destroyed by the war for several times and later washed away by floods, so the current South Bridge is basically an antique bridge reconstructed on the original site, but it still retains a strong charm. Especially, the night view of this antique bridge is one of the most spectacular sights in Dujiangyan city.
What's more, South Bridge is exquisitely constructed with great ingenuity, its unique shape, complicated craftsmanship, together with the gorgeous and dazzling night scene make it a scenery that fascinates all tourists, because there are various colorful paintings on the bridge with carved beams and painted rafters, which are a feast for the eyes. Standing on the Bridge, you may find that the appearance of surging yellow-green river water is the Min River flowing out from Dujiangyan Irrigation System.
Most importantly, the riverside of the bridge is a bustling food street with various stalls, restaurants, and performances by artists dressed as cartoon characters. After dusk, the lights of the South Bridge are very enchanting, it is therefore a great place to take photos of the intriguing night views.
5. Suggested Tour Routes and Attractions
The main entrances of Dujiangyan Scenic Area mainly include the entrance of Lidui Park and Yulei Mountain Park, the back door of Erwang Temple, etc, among which the most common entrances and exits are Erwang Temple and Lidui Park. The following are several recommended tour routes.
Route 1
Enter from Yulei Mountain Park → Yulei Pass → The Site of the May 12th Earthquake → Erwang Temple → Anlan Cable Bridge → Fish Mouth → Water Conservancy Project Exhibition Hall → Feisha Weir → Fulong Temple → Baopingkou → Lidui Park → Exit the Scenic Area → South Bridge
Route 2
Lidui Entrance of Dujiangyan Scenic Area → Iron Pillar Square → Fulong Temple → Baopingkou → Feisha Weir → Fish Mouth → Anlan Cable Bridge → Yulei Temple → South Bridge
6. Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Dujiangyan is in spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November). The climate is relatively pleasant and the scenery is very appealing during these two seasons.
Spring (March to May)
In spring, the temperature in Dujiangyan is moderate with gentle sunlight. As all things come back to life, travelers can admire the blooming spring flowers all over the mountains and feel the vitality of nature. At this time, there are also abundant folk activities in Dujiangyan, such as taking a spring outing, flying kites, hiking or cycling during the Qingming Festival, which make people linger on and forget to leave.
Autumn (September to November)
In autumn, the climate in Dujiangyan is cool and the scenery is picturesque. There are numerous fruits hanging on the trees and tourists can enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery and feel the joy of harvest. At this time, there are also rich cultural activities in Dujiangyan, such as chrysanthemum exhibitions and folk custom tours, all of them allow tourists to experience the enchanting atmosphere of Dujiangyan while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Other Seasons
Summer (June to August): Although it is hot, due to its unique geographical location and abundant water resources, Dujiangyan becomes a summer resort for visitors to escape the heat, enjoy the scenery and taste delicious food.
Winter (December to February of the following year): Although it is relatively cold, the snow scenery in Dujiangyan is also picturesque, so tourists can enjoy the beautiful views of Dujiangyan Irrigation System covered in snow.
7. Nearby Attractions
7.1 Panda Valley 熊猫谷
It is the Dujiangyan Breeding and Reintroduction Research Center of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Located in Baima Village, Yutang Town, Dujiangyan, it is about 50 kilometres away from Chengdu. As a branch of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the Panda Valley is committed to restoring and maintaining the original natural ecological environment of giant pandas, and promoting the wild training and reintroduction of giant pandas into the wild.
7.2 Qingcheng Mountain 青城山
Qingcheng Mountain stands in the southwest of Dujiangyan City, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, about 68 kilometers away from the urban area of Chengdu. It is an important part of the Qingcheng Mountain - Dujiangyan Tourist Scenic Area. With its unique natural scenery and profound cultural heritage, Qingcheng Mountain has become a World Cultural Heritage site. As one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China, it also enjoys the reputation of " the most secluded place under heaven".
7.3 Guan County Ancient City 灌县古城
Situated in Dujiangyan City, it is known as "a place where mountains and waters are embraced and life is like a spiritual practice ground". This ancient city currently attracts tons of tourists with its profound cultural heritage, unique local customs and romantic atmosphere of life.
The main scenic spots include South Bridge, West Street, Confucian Temple, Water Conservancy Office and Yangliu River, all of these scenic spots not just display the historical culture of the ancient city but also reflect its unique landscape of mountains and waters as well as humanistic customs.
Since this ancient city is located in the core area of Dujiangyan City, while Dujiangyan Scenic Area is on the Park Road of Dujiangyan City, the two places are only about 310 meters apart, and it only takes tourists about 5 minutes to get there, for those visitors want to visit more tourist attractions in one day, it is a wonderful place not to be missed.
8. Visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System with Yes!CN Tour
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