Dujiangyan Irrigation System

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!