Dujiangyan Irrigation System（都江堰水利工程）Travel Guide
Nov 10, 2024
by orient china travel
Here is an English travel guide for the Dujiangyan Irrigation System:
General Introduction
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a remarkable hydraulic engineering project located on the Minjiang River in the west of Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province, China. It was first built in the Warring States Period (256 BC - 251 BC) under the direction of Li Bing and his son and has a history of over 2200 years1. It is not only a great wonder of ancient Chinese engineering but also a precious world cultural heritage. The system is the only reserved no-control irrigation system that is still in use. It has made Chengdu the "Land of Abundance" by providing stable water for irrigation and flood control.
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a remarkable hydraulic engineering project located on the Minjiang River in the west of Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province, China. It was first built in the Warring States Period (256 BC - 251 BC) under the direction of Li Bing and his son and has a history of over 2200 years1. It is not only a great wonder of ancient Chinese engineering but also a precious world cultural heritage. The system is the only reserved no-control irrigation system that is still in use. It has made Chengdu the "Land of Abundance" by providing stable water for irrigation and flood control.
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="635px" width="953px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Location and Transportation
- Location: It is in Dujiangyan City, about 50 kilometers away from Chengdu1.
- Transportation:
- By Bus: You can take a long-distance bus from Chengdu's major bus stations to Dujiangyan.
- By Train: There are high-speed trains running between Chengdu and Dujiangyan, which is a convenient and fast way to travel.
- By Self-driving: If you have a car, you can drive along the expressway to Dujiangyan. The road signs are clear and it is easy to find the way.
Opening Hours and Tickets
- Opening Hours: From March 2nd to November 30th, it is open from 8:00 to 18:00; from December 1st to March 1st, it is open from 8:00 to 17:30.
- Tickets: The ticket price is 90 yuan per person.
Main Attractions
- Fish Mouth (Yuzui): This is a water-dividing dike that divides the Minjiang River into two parts. The western part is the outer river, which mainly serves to drain off floodwaters. The eastern part is the inner river, used for irrigation. The design is ingenious and has withstood the test of time.
- Flying Sand Weir (Feishayan): It is located downstream of the Fish Mouth. Its function is to further regulate the water flow and discharge excess sand and gravel, ensuring the smooth operation of the irrigation system.
- Bottle-Neck Channel (Baopingkou): It is the entrance to the inner river, which controls the water flow into the irrigation area. The narrow design is very scientific, allowing for the accurate control of water volume1.
- Erwang Temple: Dedicated to Li Bing and his son, it is a place to commemorate their great contributions to the construction of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. The temple has rich cultural relics and historical materials, showing the history and culture of the irrigation system.
- Anlan Suspension Bridge: Spanning across the Minjiang River, it is a thrilling and exciting bridge for tourists to cross. Standing on the bridge, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System.
- Yulei Mountain: Surrounding the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Yulei Mountain offers a good view of the entire project. You can climb up the mountain to have a panoramic view of the magnificent irrigation system.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to hire a local guide or listen to the audio guide to better understand the history, function, and scientific principles of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved in visiting the scenic area.
- Bring some water and snacks to keep yourself energized during the tour.
- Pay attention to protecting the environment and do not litter in the scenic area.