Explore the Wonders of Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Dujiangyan is one of those rare places where you can see ancient wisdom still shaping everyday life today.
-
Built 2,200 Years Ago – Still Works Today: First built in 256 BCE by engineer Li Bing and his son, Dujiangyan is the oldest functioning water project in the world. It controlled the Min River, stopped deadly floods, and brought steady water to the Chengdu Plain.
-
Smart No-Dam Design: Instead of blocking the river, Dujiangyan guides it. With clever features like the Fish Mouth Levee, Bottle-Neck Channel, and Flying Sand Weir, the system divides water naturally, prevents flooding, and clears sand — all without dams or concrete barriers.
-
Birth of the “Land of Abundance”: After the system was completed, the region changed from flood-damaged farmland into one of China’s most productive agricultural areas. For more than 2,000 years, it has fed communities, supported farming, and shaped Sichuan’s culture.
If you love history, nature, or incredible engineering, Dujiangyan gives you a front-row seat to one of China’s most remarkable achievements—still alive and working today.
What to See at Dujiangyan
Dujiangyan offers a fascinating blend of ancient engineering and scenic beauty, making it one of Sichuan’s most impressive historical sites.
As you explore, you’ll find a series of remarkable structures that reveal how this 2,000-year-old irrigation system still works today.
Core Water System
Dujiangyan’s water system is a brilliant piece of ancient engineering that still works perfectly after more than 2,000 years.
-
Fish Mouth Levee – Smart Water Split: This V-shaped levee stands in the middle of the Min River and divides it into the Inner River (for farming) and the Outer River (for flood control). It adjusts itself naturally with the seasons, sending more water to where it’s needed most.
-
Flying Sand Weir – Flood & Sand Control: This low weir lets extra water flow out safely during floods. The curve of the river pushes sand toward the weir, sending most of it into the Outer River and keeping the Inner River clear for irrigation.
-
Bottle-Neck Channel – Steady Water Flow: Carved through the mountain, this narrow passage controls how much water enters the Inner River. Its “bottle-neck” shape slows the flow, protects the farmland, and even helps settle sand before the water spreads across the Chengdu Plain.
Dujiangyan’s core system works with nature—not against it—making it one of the smartest and most beautiful water projects in the world.
Erwang Temple
Step into Erwang Temple and you’ll find yourself in the place where legends, engineering genius, and riverside scenery all come together.
Why Erwang Temple Matters
-
Honors the Creators of Dujiangyan: This temple is dedicated to Li Bing and his son, the engineers who built the Dujiangyan Irrigation System over 2,000 years ago and turned the Chengdu Plain into the “Land of Abundance.”
-
A Temple with Deep Roots: First built in 494 CE, it has been rebuilt and expanded many times. It was originally a shrine to Emperor Wang, but later renamed to honor Li Bing’s achievements.
-
A Cultural Treasure: Inside, you’ll find historic stone carvings, old maps of the irrigation system, and plaques praising the wisdom behind Dujiangyan.
What Makes the Temple Special
-
Built Along the Mountain: Instead of following a straight axis like most Chinese temples, Erwang Temple spreads naturally up the hillside. Halls, terraces, and walkways rise and fall with the slope, creating beautiful layered views.
-
Stunning River Views: The temple faces the Min River and looks directly toward the head of the Dujiangyan project, giving visitors one of the best viewpoints in the whole scenic area.
-
Rich Details Everywhere: From the Hall of Li Bing to the Hall of Erlang, from old pavilions to carved water-management sayings, the temple is full of small discoveries that help you understand how ancient engineers worked with nature.
What to Look For
-
The Famous Six-Character Rule: Stone carvings explaining “Deepen the riverbed, lower the weir,” Li Bing’s timeless guide to water control.
-
Late-Qing Irrigation Map: A large painted map near the entrance showing how Dujiangyan feeds the Chengdu Plain.
-
Mountain Walkways: Winding corridors and layered rooftops that make great photo spots.
Good to Know
-
Location: Inside the Dujiangyan Scenic Area
-
Tickets: The temple itself is free. A ticket is required to enter the scenic area (80 RMB for adults).
Fulong Temple
Perched high above the Min River, Fulong Temple is one of the most dramatic and legendary spots in the entire Dujiangyan Scenic Area.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
-
Born from an Ancient Legend: Local stories say Li Bing once subdued a fierce river dragon here, locking it beneath the deep pool under Lidui. The temple was later built to honor that story—and the engineering genius behind Dujiangyan.
-
Home to Precious Artifacts: Inside the main hall stands an 1,800-year-old stone statue of Li Bing, one of China’s oldest round stone sculptures, along with a second ancient statue of a Dujiangyan worker.
-
A Mountain Temple with Stunning Views: Built along the cliff, the temple rises in layers with terraces and rooftops overlooking the roaring Min River.
What You’ll See
-
Cliffside Walkways: Stone steps and narrow walkways lead you between halls, giving you great photo spots at every turn.
-
The Bottle-Neck View: From the upper terrace, you can look across to the “Baopingkou” characters carved into the mountain—the point where the Min River splits into Inner and Outer Rivers.
-
Dujiangyan Below: This is one of the best places to see how Li Bing’s 2,200-year-old water system still protects and nourishes the Chengdu Plain today.
Why Travelers Love It
-
Rich History in One Stop: Fulong Temple blends myths, river culture, ancient engineering, and Taoist traditions.
-
Perfect for Photos: The layered roofs, cliffside views, and riverside scenery make it a great spot for photography.
-
A Peaceful Escape: Despite its importance, the temple feels calm and quiet—an ideal place to enjoy the slower pace of Dujiangyan.
Yulei Mountain
Climb Yulei Mountain and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views of the entire Dujiangyan Irrigation System—perfect for photography, sunset watching, and learning its 2,000-year-old story from above.
Why Visit Yulei Mountain
-
Panoramic Views: The trails lead to wide, open viewpoints where you can see the Fish Mouth Levee, Bottle-Neck Channel, the rushing Min River, and the surrounding mountains all in one frame.
-
Easy Access: Yulei Mountain is inside the Dujiangyan Scenic Area and included with the main entrance ticket. Well-marked paths make it suitable for most hikers.
-
Historic Stops Along the Way: At Yuleiguan Pass, a former Ming-dynasty military post, you can spot ancient chisel marks from early water-control work and learn about Li Bing’s engineering through AR displays.
What to Expect on the Trail
-
Gentle Slopes: Most paths are stone steps or paved trails, making it beginner-friendly.
-
Great Photo Spots: The viewpoints near Yulei Pavilion are especially beautiful at sunset.
-
Nature & Culture Combined: You walk through old city walls, lush forest paths, and open ridges that show how the ancient builders worked with the mountain’s natural shape.
Practical Information
-
Tickets: Included in the Dujiangyan Scenic Area ticket (90 RMB).
-
Hours: 08:00–18:00.
-
Transport: Easy to reach by public bus or taxi; drivers can navigate directly to “Yulei Mountain Park.”
-
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and visit in the late afternoon if you want to catch the best light for photos.
Yulei Mountain is one of the best places to understand why Dujiangyan has been running for over 2,200 years—beautiful, powerful, and shaped entirely by nature.
Anlan Suspension Bridge
Cross this centuries-old suspension bridge, and you’ll feel the charm of Dujiangyan from above the rushing Min River.
Why This Bridge Matters
-
Ancient Engineering: First built in the Song Dynasty, Anlan Bridge used bamboo cables and wooden planks to stretch across the river — a rare design that survived for hundreds of years.
-
A Local Love Story: The bridge is also known as the “Couple’s Bridge,” named after He Xiande and his wife. He died after being falsely accused during construction, and his wife completed the project in his honor.
-
A Scenic Crossing: Today, visitors come to walk across the swaying bridge, watch the river rush below, and enjoy open views of the mountains and the Dujiangyan water system.
What Makes the Bridge Unique
-
Smart Structure: The original bridge used 72 strands of bamboo twisted into thick cables that could support up to 5 tons.
-
Thoughtful Craftsmanship: Builders protected the bridge with tung oil, lime, and sticky rice — a traditional waterproofing method.
-
Flexible and Strong: Its swinging, soft structure helps it adapt to wind and water, a design that worked long before modern engineering existed.
A Bridge Full of Stories
-
Scholars and writers have praised Anlan Bridge for centuries, and it has appeared in novels and films.
-
Over time, the bridge has been rebuilt and upgraded, but its traditional style and cultural spirit remain.
Walking across Anlan Bridge is more than crossing the river — it’s stepping into a living piece of Sichuan’s history.
Getting to Dujiangyan
Reaching Dujiangyan is simple and fast, whether you prefer the train, bus, or your own car.
The Easiest Ways to Go
-
High-Speed Train (Most Convenient):
Take the Chengdu–Dujiangyan line from Xipu Station to Lidui Park Station (30 minutes, 10 RMB). You step right out into the scenic area — no transfers needed. -
Direct Tourist Bus:
From Chunxi Road or Kuanzhai Alley (58 RMB per person, departs around 10:00 a.m.). -
Self-Drive:
Drive from Chengdu to “Dujiangyan South Bridge” — about 1 hour if you avoid rush hour.
Getting Around the Scenic Area
-
Walking paths are beautiful and easy to follow.
-
Sightseeing shuttles and electric carts are available if you want to save energy.
-
Suggested route for first-time visitors:
South Bridge → Anlan Bridge → Fish Mouth → Bottle-Neck Channel → Erwang Temple.
Metro + Train Option
-
Take Chengdu Metro Line 2 to Xipu Station, then transfer to the high-speed train.
-
Last return train from Lidui Park to Chengdu is 21:55 — buy your ticket early.
-
Wear comfortable shoes; some sections involve steps and short hikes.
Parking Tips
-
Go directly to P1 Parking Lot — only a 3-minute walk to the entrance.
-
Cost: about 10 RMB for 12 hours.
-
For a smoother surface, P2 is better, but spaces are limited.
Extra Notes
-
From Dujiangyan Station, taxis or Bus 4/9 take you to South Bridge in minutes.
-
Parking in the city center usually costs 10–20 RMB per night.
Best Time to Visit
Dujiangyan is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different travel experience.
- Best Weather: Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures, fresh greenery, and blooming flowers—perfect for relaxed walks and great photos.
- Most Scenic: Autumn (September–November): Cool, crisp air and golden mountain colors make this the most picturesque time to visit.
- Beat the Heat: Summer (June–August): Hot but lively. Go early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy the cool river breeze and smaller crowds.
- Peaceful & Quiet: Winter (December–February): Colder weather but calm and crowd-free—ideal for travelers who prefer a slower, quieter experience.
Taste Real Sichuan Flavor
Dujiangyan is packed with bold, spicy, and comforting dishes that show off the heart of Sichuan cuisine.
Must-Try Local Classics
-
Enjoy signature dishes like Mapo tofu, dandan noodles, cold noodles, and spicy rabbit head.
-
Around the scenic entrance, you’ll find plenty of small eateries serving affordable local bites.
-
In the old town and city center, traditional teahouses and hotpot restaurants offer great spots to relax and enjoy a full meal.
-
If you want a deeper experience, try local specialties such as Qingcheng smoked pork or the Dujiangyan tofu feast.
Popular Local Restaurants
-
Taiping Zhang Rice Wine Dessert: Famous for its warm sweet rice wine with soft glutinous rice balls—simple, nostalgic, and delicious.
-
Daojianglou River Fish: Known for rich Mapo tofu and their boneless river fish dishes. Slightly pricey, but locals say it’s worth it.
-
Xie Jie Pork Trotters: A longtime neighborhood favorite serving slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth pork trotters.
Where Locals Really Eat
-
Explore small family-run shops like Beijie Rice Noodles, Sun Ge Skewer Pot, and Xiaoxiangnong Hotpot, all known for great flavor at honest prices.
-
Try light bites such as scallion rolls, sesame dumplings, or local soy-milk buns—simple but satisfying.
-
For night-owls, Zui Shaobiao BBQ is a top local pick for grilled tofu, spicy beef, and late-night snacks.
-
For the best pork trotter dishes, head straight to Zhangjiawan—a well-loved spot among long-time locals.
Helpful Eating Tips
-
Go early for popular places—locals crowd in fast during meal times.
-
Many dishes are spicy by default; ask for “wei la” (less spicy) if needed.
-
Most small restaurants only accept mobile payment, so be ready with WeChat or Alipay.
-
Don’t miss the snack stalls—many hidden gems are found in side alleys rather than on the main street.
Where to Stay in Dujiangyan
Dujiangyan offers plenty of great places to stay—from cozy guesthouses near the old town to peaceful resorts by Qingcheng Mountain.
• Stay Near the Scenic Area: Guesthouses around Nanqiao are just a 5-minute walk to the main sights. Rooms usually cost 200–400 RMB per night, and some offer terraces where you can enjoy the night views.
• Stay in Dujiangyan City Center: The downtown area has many affordable business hotels and comfortable inns. It’s a convenient choice with easy access to food, transport, and shopping.
• Stay by Qingcheng Mountain: For a quiet, nature-focused trip, the hotels and resorts at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain offer calm surroundings and beautiful views.
• Family-Friendly Resorts: Sunac Resort Hotels are great for families or travelers who enjoy skiing and leisure activities. They’re about 15 minutes by car from Nanqiao.
Travel Tip: Staying one night in Dujiangyan lets you enjoy the peaceful evening atmosphere and a more relaxed visit the next morning.
Top 3 Hotels in Chengdu
-
Budget Pick – Howdy Smart Hotel: Clean, modern, and great value, just steps from Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li. Compact but comfortable rooms make it ideal for budget travelers.
-
Middle Option – Celebrity City Hotel: Spacious rooms, reliable service, and a central location. A solid mid-range choice with good amenities and easy access to major sights.
-
Fancy Option – Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu: A luxury stay with river views, stylish rooms, excellent dining, and top-tier service — perfect for travelers wanting a premium experience.
Useful Tips for a Smooth Trip
A little preparation goes a long way when exploring Dujiangyan, especially if you want to enjoy the views without stress.
-
Plan Around the Lights:
The “Blue Tears” night lights usually turn on around 6 PM, so give yourself enough time to reach Nanqiao before dark. -
Wear Comfortable Shoes:
You’ll be walking a lot—especially if you take the climbing route—so good footwear makes a big difference. Mountain paths close around 5:30 PM, so start early if you want to hike. -
Check the Weather & Pack Smart:
Bring a light jacket, rain gear, or sun protection depending on the season. If you’re heading to Qingcheng Mountain the next day, staying overnight in Dujiangyan makes things even easier.
Nearby Attractions
Just beyond Dujiangyan, you’ll find some of Sichuan’s most beautiful mountains, temples, and wildlife experiences. These nearby spots are easy to reach and make perfect add-ons to your Dujiangyan trip.
Qingcheng Mountain
A peaceful Taoist mountain full of misty forests and ancient temples—perfect for travelers who love nature and culture together.
-
A Taoist Classic: Known as “the most peaceful under heaven,” Qingcheng Mountain is one of the birthplaces of Taoism and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-
Lush Nature Everywhere: Thirty-six peaks, old trees, springs, and waterfalls create scenery that feels like stepping into a traditional Chinese painting.
-
Easy to Reach: Take Metro Line 2 to Xipu, transfer to the S-train to Qingchengshan Station, then walk or take a short sightseeing bus to the front gate. Entrance is 80 RMB.
Dujiangyan Panda Base
A quieter, greener alternative to the Chengdu Panda Base—ideal for relaxed, close-up panda watching.
-
Close to the Pandas: Mostly outdoor enclosures offer some of the best views of giant pandas without crowds or glass barriers.
-
Short & Easy Visit: The walking route is compact, and most travelers finish in 1–2 hours. Arrive in the morning when pandas are most active.
-
Good to Know: Tickets cost 55 RMB; bring sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable shoes.
Suggested Itineraries
-
One Day: Morning at the Dujiangyan Irrigation System → afternoon at Qingcheng Mountain
-
Two Days: Day 1: Dujiangyan + Erwang Temple → Day 2: Qingcheng Mountain (Front & Back Mountain)
FAQs
Q: Is Dujiangyan still used today?
A: Yes! This 2,000-year-old system still irrigates over 5,000 square kilometers of farmland — a true testament to ancient Chinese engineering.
Q: How long do I need to visit the irrigation system?
A: Plan at least 3 hours to explore the main sites, or a full day if you’d like to combine it with nearby Mount Qingcheng.
Q: Is Dujiangyan suitable for kids and families?
A: Definitely. Kids will love the bridges and scenic views, but strollers aren’t ideal due to steps — bring snacks and water for comfort.
Q: Can I visit without a guide?
A: Yes, you can easily explore on your own since most signs are bilingual. Still, hiring a guide helps bring the ancient history to life.
Q: What’s the best time to visit Dujiangyan?
A: Spring and autumn offer the best weather and scenery. Try to visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Discover Chengdu
For anyone traveling to Chengdu and nearby areas, these guides make it easy to uncover the city’s best food, sights, and cultural experiences.
- Chengdu Guide: Hotpot Spots, Panda Parks, and Day Trips
- Jinli Old Street: Top Things to Do, Eat, and Experience
- Huanglongxi Ancient Town: A Complete Visitor’s Guide
- Wenshu Monastery: Best Things to See, Eat, and Experience
- Leshan Giant Buddha: Best Views, Routes, and Local Secrets
- Kuanzhai Alley: Top Things to Do, Eat, and Explore
- Wuhou Temple: Best Things to See, Learn, and Experience
- Sanxingdui Museum: Top Exhibits, Tips, and Travel Insights
- Chengdu Panda Base: How to Visit, See Pandas
Our travel blog has already helped thousands of travelers. So join us and come along on our journey around China!
When I’m not on the road or writing, I enjoy street photography, spending time with my wife and our 7-year-old son, Zack, or relaxing at home with our black-and-white cat, Sprite.
Hope my tips inspire your next adventure—happy travels!