Dujiangyan Irrigation System Travel Guide
Highlights, History & Visitor Information
Built in 256 BC by Shu County Governor Li Bing and his son, Dujiangyan is the world's oldest large-scale water conservancy project still in operation. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, it has been praised as a "living water conservancy museum" for its ingenious design and its symbiosis of human and nature. This magnificent project, which controlled the raging Min River without the use of a single dam and transformed the Chengdu Plain into the "Land of Heavenly Power," is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a veritable culmination of ancient Chinese scientific wisdom.
1. Main Highlights
🏞️ Three core projects of flood control projects
The three major processes devised by Li Bing and his son can still be seen today, and their ingenuity is astounding.
Fish Mouth: This dike, with its tip resembling a fish's mouth, automatically divides the water flow of the Minjiang River into the "Outer River" and "Inner River." During floods, it directs 60% of the water into the Outer River, and during droughts, it directs 60% of the water into the Inner River, performing an amazing "automatic diversion" function.
Flying Sand Weir (Blown Sand Prevention Embankment): This facility uses the principle of a whirlpool to discharge sand and stones contained in the water flowing from the fish beak into the outer river. It also functions as a "discharge flood" to allow excess water to overflow, and as an "automatic regulator" to control the amount of water flowing into the Houyinkou.
The Jar Mouth (Baoyinkou): This narrow channel, carved into the Yulu Mountain, controls the flow of water from the Inner River and directs it into the Chengdu Plain. It acts as an "automatic control" by regulating the amount of water flowing into the plain.
2. Historical Stories
📜 History and Wisdom of Dujiangyan
• The great achievement of Li Bing and his son: Li Bing and his son did not simply build a strong levee, but put into practice the groundbreaking water control philosophy of "using nature, not going against it," by harnessing and controlling the force of the water flow. This philosophy is the fundamental reason why the facility continues to function even after more than 2,200 years.
• The six-character rule for "Dredging the Deep Beach Weir": This is a proverb for maintenance left by Li Bing for future generations. It means "Dig the riverbed deep and build the levees low." A "laying iron" was buried in the riverbed to indicate the depth of annual dredging, and this teaching has been observed to this day.
3.Useful Information Before Your Visit
Address：Park Road, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province
Opening Hours：3/2-11/30：8:00-18:00
12/1-3/1：8:00-17:30
Closed：None (Open daily throughout the year).
Admission Tickets：Adults: 80 yuan (may vary depending on the season). Advance online reservations are recommended.
Moving around the park：It takes about an hour to an hour and a half by tram (city rail) from the center of Chengdu. Get off at Dujiangyan Station.
4. Visiting Etiquette and Important Notes
• Wear comfortable clothes: The park is very large and has many stairs and slopes, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. Also, it can be windy near the river, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket.
• Suggested tour route: The most common route is to enter from Yuruiyama Park, climb the mountain, and look down on the Three Major Processes. Then, cross the Anlan Suspension Bridge to get a closer look at the Three Major Processes on the opposite bank.
• Water volume: During the rainy season (June to August), the water volume is high, allowing you to experience the power of the flood control facilities. During the dry season, the water is relatively calm, allowing you to clearly observe the structure of the facilities.
5. Pandaland Trip's Original Tour Services
Our Pandaland Trips offers a unique service that allows you to understand the complex flood control system in an easy-to-understand manner and experience the true greatness of Dujiangyan.
■ Explanation of the construction process by a specialist guide: Rather than simply explaining the scenery, the guide will use models and diagrams to explain in easy-to-understand Japanese how the three major processes work together. We will also answer the question, "Why has it remained standing for 2,200 years?"
■ Efficient route planning: We will suggest the most efficient route to tour the vast park, taking into account your time and energy. We will also guide you to the spectacular views of Mt. Tamarui so that you don't miss them.
■ Mount Qingcheng combination plan: We offer a comprehensive day trip plan that combines the World Cultural Heritage Site of Dujiangyan with the World Natural Heritage Site of Mount Qingcheng. Experience the sacred site of Taoism and the miracle of ancient science all at once.
■ Assurance support in your native language: From purchasing tram tickets to guiding you around the park and finding rest areas, all support is provided in your native language. Don't worry even if it's your first time traveling.
TTo truly understand the complexity and greatness of Dujiangyan, a guided tour with Pandaland Trip in your native language is the best choice.Our guides, who are well versed in the history and science behind the Dujiangyan River, will take you on an inspiring journey into ancient wisdom. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
