Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Dujiangyan is the world's oldest dam-free irrigation system still in use today, with a history of more than 2,500 years. Designed around the principle of working with the natural flow of water, it makes irrigation possible during dry seasons while safely dispersing floods in times of heavy rain. Even today, the system continues to nourish the Chengdu Plain, Sichuan, China. Standing between the Yuzui (Yuzui Water Dividing Dike), the Feishayan (Feishayan Spillway), and the Baopingkou (Baopingkou Water Inlet), visitors can clearly grasp the ingenuity of this ancient project and understand why the region became known as the “Land of Abundance.”
Surrounded by scenic landscapes and complemented by the Taoist heritage of nearby Mount Qingcheng, the Dujiangyan area represents a rare combination of nature, engineering, and human tradition, and together they form a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
History of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
More than 2,000 years ago, the Chengdu Plain had fertile land, but it was threatened by floods from the Minjiang River all year round, making people's lives extremely difficult. In 256 BC, Li Bing, the governor of Shu County, came here together with his son and decided to use an unprecedented method to control floods - not to build high dams, but to follow the natural terrain and let the water "find its most suitable path."
At that time, the Minjiang River outlet was "high in the northwest and low in the southeast", so they took advantage of the situation and dug canals into the mountains to maintain a natural balance between the river water and the terrain. After the completion of Dujiangyan, it effectively resolved floods and continuously irrigated the Chengdu Plain, freeing the area from floods and doubling its grain production, thus laying the foundation for the "Land of Abundance".
What's even more amazing is that this system is still in daily operation after more than 2,250 years, and it still nourishes the entire western Sichuan region. It is a representative work of ancient Chinese engineering wisdom and the harmonious symbiosis of nature.
Core Structures of the Dujiangyan Water Conservancy System
Coming to Dujiangyan and understanding the three core structures of "Yuzui Water Dividing Dike, Feishayan Spillway, and Baopingkou Water Inlet" is equivalent to truly understanding why it has been able to irrigate the entire Chengdu Plain for more than two thousand years without being blocked, collapsed, or stopped.
Yuzui Water Dividing Dike: the starting point for precise water distribution
Located at the watershed of Minjiang River, it is shaped like a fish head, hence its name. It naturally divides the river into two parts - the Yuzui Dike is the core of the Dujiangyan project and is vividly called the "water-dividing fish". It cleverly divides the water of the Minjiang River into the inner river for irrigation and the outer river for plain flood drainage.
The most ingenious aspect lies in its angle: during the dry season, more water is diverted for irrigation, while in times of flood, excess water is automatically guided toward the outer river. Standing on site, you can see that it functions like a “natural water divider,” working with nature rather than blocking it.
Feishayan Spillway: a "safety valve" for automatic sand discharge and flood diversion
Although the Inner River carries a large volume of water, it also contains a heavy load of silt. The Feishayan Channel is a slanted opening designed to address this challenge. When the water level rises or sediment accumulates excessively in the Inner River, water is automatically diverted back into the Outer River, keeping the Inner River unobstructed.
By harnessing the natural swirling motion of the current, the Feishayan channels about 75 percent of the sediment into the Outer River. This ingenious design functions as an early form of “automatic desilting,” making it a remarkable achievement in ancient hydraulic engineering and an ideal place to observe how natural forces and human ingenuity work together.
Baopingkou Water Inlet: the narrow “bottleneck” leading into the Chengdu Plain
Baopingkou resembles the neck of a bottle, using terrain and hydraulic principles to precisely regulate the volume of water entering the Inner River. It keeps the flow steady, ensuring that irrigation water is neither too much nor too little. Standing above Baopingkou, you can see the current slow down and become calmer—as if it has been naturally “balanced.” This design has protected the Chengdu Plain from flooding for more than two thousand years.
Highlights of Dujiangyan Scenic Spot
The essence of Dujiangyan Scenic Spot is concentrated in the core world heritage project and the surrounding cultural landscape. The following four major attractions, from historical commemoration, engineering perspective to panoramic viewing, help tourists more intuitively understand this water conservancy miracle that has lasted for more than two thousand years.
Erwang Temple
Erwang Temple is located high on the right bank of the Minjiang River. It is a core cultural landmark commemorating Li Bing and his son. It is also the first stop for most tourists after entering the scenic spot. The temple area combines traditional palaces and garden landscapes. The main hall enshrines statues of Li Bing and his son. Ancient water control texts and images are engraved on the stone walls, telling the origin of Dujiangyan. Climbing up to the high platform of the temple, you can have a panoramic view of the overall layout of the Yuzui Water-dividing Dike, Feisha Channel and Baopingkou. It is an ideal viewing point to understand the wisdom of the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project. The annual Qingming Water Release Festival and summer temple fairs also make this an important place to experience local folk customs.
Anlan Suspension Bridge
The Anlan Suspension Bridge spans the Minjiang River and is one of the most engaging landmarks in Dujiangyan. In the early days, it was built with wooden planks and bamboo ropes, but now it retains its traditional appearance while improving safety. Walking on it, the bridge body sways slightly, which is very interesting. Standing in the center of the bridge, you can clearly overlook the overall structure of Fish Mouth Levee, Feishayan Channel and Baopingkou, and the division of the inner and outer rivers is clear at a glance. Bridges, water, mountains and ancient water conservancy projects intertwine to form a unique picture, making it an excellent location for taking photos and viewing.
Yulei Mountain
Yulei Mountain is an important vantage point overlooking the panoramic view of Dujiangyan. Walking slowly along the forest trail, you can see ancient trees and the remains of Ming Dynasty city walls, and the environment is quiet and natural. After climbing to the top of the Yulei Pavilion, you can have a panoramic view of the entire Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project. On a clear day, you can also see the Minjiang River Valley and the Chengdu Plain in the distance, with a broad view. This is very suitable for tourists who want to understand the layout of the project from an overall perspective and take panoramic photos.
Fulong Temple
Fulong Temple is surrounded by water on three sides and is full of the legend of Erlang God subduing the dragon. According to legend, the evil dragon was trapped in the deep pool under Lidui, which makes the place even more mysterious. Climbing up high, you can see the Baopingkou and the direction of the river in the distance. It is not only suitable for a short rest, but also suitable for quietly experiencing the cultural atmosphere of Dujiangyan.
Recommended Tour Routes
The following three routes are suitable for different needs, helping you feel the wisdom of ancient people in water management and plan your itinerary more efficiently.
Route 1 - Easy Route (2–3 hours)
Enter from Qinyan Pavilion and exit from Lidui Park. You can first go to the Qinyan Pavilion to see the whole view of Dujiangyan, then walk down the mountain to visit Erwang Temple, cross the Anlan Suspension Bridge, see Baopingkou, Yuzui, Feishayan, Fulong Temple, and then walk to Lidui Park.
Entrance → Qinyan Pavilion → Erwang Temple → Anlan Suspension Bridge → Baopingkou → Yuzui → Feishayan → Fulong Temple → Yulei Pass → Exit
Route 2 - Classic Loop Route (3–4 hours)
Enter from the main entrance of Lidui Park, pass through Qingxi Park, Fulong Temple, Baopingkou, Feishayan, Yuzui, Anlan Suspension Bridge, Qinyan Pavilion, Erwang Temple, Yulei Pass, and finally leave the park from the West Gate. The whole journey takes about 3 to 4 hours and is suitable for tourists who want to have a comprehensive tour.
Lidui Park Main Entrance → Qingxi Park → Fulong Temple → Baopingkou → Feishayan → Yuzui → Anlan Suspension Bridge → Qinyan Pavilion → Erwang Temple → Yulei Pass → Exit via West Gate
Route 3 - One-day route for Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Qingcheng Mountain
In the morning, we visited the core water conservancy facilities such as Baopingkou, Feishayan, and Yuzui in Dujiangyan, and learned about the overall intelligent system of dam-less water diversion, sand discharge, and flow control in ancient times. In the afternoon, we headed to Qingcheng Mountain. As an important birthplace of Chinese Taoism, the place has green trees and Taoist temples hidden in the mountains, embodying the natural philosophy of "harmony between man and nature". Combining the water control concept of Dujiangyan with the Taoist culture of Qingcheng Mountain, it is a very classic combination route to experience Sichuan's unique culture and natural features in one day.
Best Time to Visit
Dujiangyan is suitable for travel in all seasons, each offering its own scenery. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, especially from March to May and September to November.
- Spring (March-May): The water volume is moderate and the mountains are the most beautiful, making it the most photogenic season of the year.
- Autumn (September-November): The weather is refreshing and transparent, which is very suitable for walking in scenic spots, and the distant mountains and flowing water are particularly clear.
- Summer (June - August): The temperature is higher in summer, while the Minjiang River is at its most spectacular, which is the best time to feel the "power of the Pentium".
- Winter (December to February): There are fewer tourists, which is suitable for those who like to travel quietly, but the temperature is low, so you need to keep warm.
Beyond its natural scenery, Dujiangyan is also known for its distinctive festivals. Around the Qingming Festival at the beginning of April, the ancient Water Release Festival is held, reenacting water-worship rituals that have continued for more than two thousand years, with a solemn and unique atmosphere. In late June, the Li Bing Memorial Ceremony commemorates Li Bing and his son through traditional rites, allowing visitors to experience the deep water-control culture and historical legacy of Dujiangyan alongside a relaxed sightseeing journey.
How to Get to Dujiangyan
Located about 60 km northwest of downtown Chengdu, Dujiangyan is easy to reach by public transport or private transfer.
Option I - Take Metro Line 2 or Line 6 to Xipu Station, then transfer to the intercity railway to Lidui Park Station or Dujiangyan Station. After getting off, walk or take a taxi for about 1 km to reach the scenic area. The whole journey takes about 50 to 70 minutes and costs 15 yuan.
Option II - Take the shuttle bus from multiple hubs in Chengdu, including Chengdu IFS/Taikoo Li Business District (tourist distribution poi15 nt on the B2 floor of the underground parking lot), Kuanzhai Alley (next to the East Square Tourist Information Booth), Xinnanmen Bus Station and Chadianzi Station. The journey takes about 1-2 hours and the ticket fare is about 20 yuan.
Option III - Charter a car hire an online car to go to Dujiangyan. The journey takes about 50-60 minutes; it is suitable for families or tourists with elderly people and children. It takes about 1 hour and costs 200 yuan.
Travel Tips
- It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes as some viewing points are close to the water.
- During the rainy season, there is a lot of water vapor, so it is recommended to bring a waterproof jacket.
- There are many steps in Yulei Mountain, so it is not suitable for tourists with weak physical strength or weak knees.
- The scenic area is large, so it is recommended to plan the route in advance and reserve enough time.
- The best time to take photos of the Anlan Bridge is usually in the morning.
- If you have extra time, you can visit the surrounding attractions: Qingcheng Mountain (Taoist cultural resort, good natural scenery), Panda Valley (less crowds and quieter, easier to take pictures of pandas), Nanqiao Ancient Town (close to Dujiangyan city, most atmospheric for shopping and eating at night).
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