Dujiangyan Irrigation System
» Chengdu, Si Chuan

都江堰 创开天府的古堰

The ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System is unique and a scientific marvel, attracting scientists all around the world. As a major tourist attraction, the Dujiangyan Region has a beautiful landscape and many cultural relics and historical sites, including the Fulong Temple, Erwang Temple, and the trail bridge. All of these, plus moving legends have exerted a great attraction for both domestic and overseas tourists.

A scientist marvel

Dujiangyan Irrigation System is also the admiration of scientists around the world, because it has one ingenious feature. Unlike contemporary dams where the water is blocked with a huge wall, Dujiangyan still lets water go through naturally. Modern dams do not let fish go through very well, since each dam is a wall and the water levels are different. In 2000, Dujiangyan became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why and who built it

Over 2,200 years ago, the city was threatened by the frequent floods caused by flooding of the Minjiang River (a tributary of the Yangtze River ).

Li Bing, a local official of Sichuan Province at that time, together with his son, decided to construct an irrigation system on the Minjiang River to prevent flooding. After a lengthy study and a lot of hard work by the local people, the great Dujiangyan Irrigation System was completed. Since then, the Chengdu Plain has been free of flooding and the people have been living peacefully and affluently.

Now, the project is honored as the 'Treasure of Sichuan', which still plays a crucial role in draining off floodwater, irrigating farms and providing water resources for more than 50 cities in the province.

Three sections

The irrigation system consists of three sections: the Fish Mouth (Yuzui); the Feisha Dike (Feisha Yan), and the Baopingkou (mouth of the treasure bottle) Aqueduct. These three parts interact with each other perfectly to form an effective water conservancy project.

The Fish Mouth (Yuzui)

It is named for its conical head that is said to resemble the mouth of a fish, is the key part of Li Bing's construction. It is an artificial levee that divides the water into inner and outer streams. The inner stream carries approximately 40%, rising to 60% during flood, of the river's flow into the irrigation system whilst that outer stream drains away the rest, flushing out much of the silt and sediment.

The Feisha Dike (Feisha Yan)

The Feisha Dike is situated at the point where the inner Min River makes its first turn after split from the outer Min River at the Fish Mouth. Li Bing and his people cleverly used the fact that the waters flow at different speeds at the river turn, with the outer ring moving slowly and thus carrying most of the slit, which is then filtered at the dike and goes back into the outer Min River (which eventually merges into the Yangtze River).

The dike also adjusts the capacity of the inner river for irrigation such that it carries 40 percent of the water capacity in the entire Min River in a flood season while 60 percent of the capacity in a drought season.

The Baopingkou (mouth of the treasure bottle) Aqueduct

The Baopingkou Aqueduct is a passage cut through the Yulei Mountain. Before the invention of explosives, the builders accomplished this by repeatedly heating the rock with wood fires and cooling the rock with the water from the river below to crack and weaken it. The strenuous work lasted seven years before the mountain finally yielded the opening.

Attractions

The Dujiangyan Region has a beautiful landscape and many cultural relics and historical sites, including the Anlan Cable Bridge, Two Kings Temple (Erwang Temple), Dragon-Taming Temple (Fulong Temple). All of these, plus moving legends have exerted a great attraction for both domestic and overseas tourists.

Anlan Cable Bridge

There is a magnificent bridge called the Anlan Cable Bridge crossing the Minjiang River above Yuzui, which is the most scenic place in Dujiangyan. The construction of the bridge originally commenced before the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279). At that time, the body of the bridge was constructed with wooden blocks and the handrails were made of bamboo. Recently the wood and bamboo were replaced with steel and reinforced concrete to ensure the security of the visitors. Seen from afar, the bridge looks like a rainbow hanging over the river. From the bridge, you can clearly see the entire layout of the Dujiangyan system.

Two Kings Temple (Erwang Temple)

Erwang or Two Kings Temple is located on the bank of the river at the foot of Yulei Mountain. The original Wangdi Temple built in memory of an ancient Shu king was relocated and so locals renamed the temple here in honor of Li Bing and his legendary son whom they had posthumously promoted to kings.

The Qing Dynasty wooden complex conforms to the traditional standard of temple design except that it does not follow a north-south axis.The main hall, which contains a modern statue of Li Bing, opens up onto a courtyard facing an opera stage. On Li Bing's traditional birthday, 24th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar, local operas were performed for the public, and on Tomb Sweeping Day a Water Throwing Festival is held.

The rear hall contains a modern statue of the god Erlang Shen who was allegedly Li Bing's son, but historic records fail to confirm this and it is possible that he was invented by locals to give their hero a descendent to maintain his family heritage. Guanlantin Pavilion stands above the complex and is inscribed with wise words from Li Bing such as, "When the river flows in zigzags, cut a straight channel; when the riverbed is wide and shallow, dig it deeper."

Dragon-Taming Temple (Fulong Temple)

Fulonguan or Dragon-Taming Temple in Liudi Park was founded in the third century in honor of Fan Changsheng, the Jin Dynasty founder of Tianshi Daoism. Following Li Bing's death a hall was established here in his honour and the temple was renamed to commemorate the dragon fighting legends that surrounded him.

It is here that Erlang Shen, the legendary son of Li Bing, is said to have chained the dragon that he and his 7 friends had captured in an ambush at the River God Temple when it came to collect a human sacrifice. This action is said to have protected the region from floods ever since.

During the East Han Dynasty a statue of Li Bing was place in the river to monitor the water flow, with the level rising above his shoulders to indicate flood and falling beneath his calves to indicate drought. Recovered from the river in 1974 and placed on display in the main hall, this is the oldest known stone statue of a human in China.

Attractions around » Chengdu, Si Chuan

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Shopping & Leisure

Shopping & Leisure

Historical Relic

Historical Relic

  Weather

  1. What about climate in Chengdu?
  2. What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?
  3. Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Food

  1. What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?
  2. What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  Shopping

  1. What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  Travel

  1. What are entertainments in Chengdu?
  2. I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba is located?
  3. Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?
  4. What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?
  5. Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

    6.   Customs

    1. What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

      Other Hints

    1. What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?
    2. What's the city code of Chengdu?

    • What about climate in Chengdu?

      The climate of Chengdu is mild and humid with distinct four seasons and plenty of rainfall. It is a city with the early spring, hot summer, cool autumn and warm winter.

      The annual average temperature is 16 degree Celsius. January is the coldest season when the average temperature is approximately 5 degrees Celsius. Snow is rare but there are a few periods of frost each winter. Summer is hot and humid. July is the hottest season when temperatures can be almost 35 degree Celsius.


    • What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?

      The best time to visit is between March and June or between September and November. In the hottest seasons of July and August, you can summer at the nearby Mt. Qingchengshan or Xiling Snow Mountain. When snow in winter, you can enjoy the nice snow scenery at Xiling Snow Mountain and Longchi Forest Park.


    • Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

      Aba has a continental plateau climate. So visiting Aba, including Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area, spring or autumn clothing is necessary in summer for the temperature varies greatly during a day.

      The spring of Aba is from June to July. And the winter is from December to March and April of the next year. Some people say that paradise is distributed everywhere in Aba. The fact is different sceneries of Aba show their best in different seasons.

      The best time to Huanglong is from April to November, to Jiuzhaigou is from September to October. During the high tourist seasons such as International Labor Day (May 1st) and National Day (October 1st), there are a lot of visitors here. So the prices of the hotel, food and transportation in this period are very high. You'd better avoid the high tourist seasons.


    • What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?

      Chengdu snacks enjoy a high reputation both at home and abroad with their unique colors, aromas, shapes and tastes. It covers the essence of Sichuan cuisine.

      You can taste some famous dishes such as the Long Wonton Soup, Mapo Doufu, Hot pepper, and so on. There are many foods with the unequal characteristics in Chengdu. Although you can buy some from Beijing, such as beef jerky and dehydrated bean curd, the varieties and taste are not more than original place.

      You can buy the typical Sichuan seasoning in the local market. In a word, you will come back with fruitful results.


    • What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

      The Tibetan food and Sichuan cuisine are popular in Aba. But there are some Muslim foods. So you can have your meals in Aba County or some bigger towns. However, you need to take along some food with you.


    • What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

      There are a few good local specialties which are worth having a look at even if you don't want to make a purchase!

      Shu Embroidery is an interesting example of exquisite workmanship and detail. And it is one of the four best and most famous brocades in China along with Nanjing Brocade, Suzhou Brocade and Guangxi Brocade.

      Silk Tapestry is also one of your best choices. The tapestry is smooth and sleek and to touch it feels soft and springy and this makes a lovely souvenir.

      Equally impressive are the beautiful Silverware pieces and Qingcheng Silk Tapestries.

      All kinds of Bamboo craftwork and lacquer ware are also worthy to buy some for your friends and relatives as the decent gifts.


    • What are entertainments in Chengdu?

      The main form of entertainment in Chengdu is Chinese traditional opera C Sichuan opera. It is a great place to see some authentic Chinese art on stage such as facial makeup, fire-spitting, the long flowing silk inner sleeves, spirals-lifting.

      When you are in Chengdu, you will see teahouses everywhere on the streets. Teahouses sprawl over Chengdu sidewalks, public parks, main scenic spots, in back-alley sections and suburbs. You can enjoy your pastimes and stay in theses teahouses all day!


    • I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba located is?

      Aba is situated in northwestern Sichuan Province. Aba County is well connected to many provincial towns and cities such as Garz, Liangshan and Yaan City. It is bounded on the famous Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a special region. We need to follow the customs and habits of the local people.


    • Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?

      Aba is surely one of incredibly amazing places in China people want to visit. It is a place with a lot of splendid scenic spots and with the unique culture. Its beauty bears no comparison with other places from home and abroad. There are so many snow mountains in the large area of Aba.

      You may meet some troubles when you do the self-serve traveling in the remote and undeveloped area. So transportation, hotel, food here are all not convenient. It's recommended to well plan this trip before you rock this place.

      If you have time, give yourself at least couple days to explore this place with the help of some professional person or tour guides.


    • What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?

      There are some hidden washrooms and dustbins in the main scenic spots of Jiuzhaigou. You need to collaborate with the tour guide and to protect the environment during the trip.

      Do not feed the fish in Jiuzhaigou. Do not pick the wild fruit and some fungus to avoid being food poisoned. Follow the tour guide to avoid some accidents. Do not stay overnight in Jiuzhaogou and live in the hotel outside of Jiuzhaigou after one day's trip.


    • Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

      Yes, your first choice is to enjoy the performance of Tibetan servant-girl. It is the best time to display the local customs for travelers all over the world.

      At the same time, we can eat the typical snacks and take part in the singing and dancing party with local minority peoples around a campfire.


    • What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

      Sichuan is one of the multi-ethnic provinces in the country. In addition to the Han people, there live another 52 ethnic groups, including the Tibetan, Qiang, Miao, Tujia, Naxi, Manchu, Dai, Zhuang, Bai minority peoples.

      Most of the minority residents live in the northwestern part of Sichuan. There have established three autonomous prefectures: Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.The famous scenic resorts such as Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area are located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.

      This is a multiethnic reign; you need to follow the customs and habits of the local people, in order not to trouble yourselves. It is more suitable to gain their permission if you want to have a photo taken with the local people.


    • What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?

      The Plateau is an area with high altitude, thin oxygen and intensive sunshine. The temperature here varies greatly during a day. So you need to take along with some clothes such as jacket, sweater, etc.

      At the same time, you need to take the sunglasses, sun hat, suntan lotion, lip balm, cold tablets, and stomach tablets.

      In high Plateau, you can't do the labor work and you need to avoid doing some intense exercise like walking quickly, especially running. Drink less and eat more vegetable and fruit to avoid altitude sickness. So it is better for you with a pre-existing heart and lung problems to consult the doctors before taking Plateau tours.

      And it is necessary for you to take some drugs for routine (Medication to help your headache, diarrhea, stomach-ache, cold and altitude sickness).

      Most Plateau tours are not highly demanding physically. However, the travelers need to be in good conditions and able to walk up and down moderate hills on a daily basis.

      If you feel out of breath or your chest feels tight, you need to transfer to the lower altitude place to have rest as soon as possible. And it is better for the old and infirm to take along with a small oxygen cylinder.


    • What's the city code of Chengdu?

      Chengdu's City Code: 028


Built over 2,200 years ago, Dujiangyan Irrigation System is the oldest and only surviving no-dam irrigation system in the world; and a wonder in the development of Chinese science. Three important parts interact and depend on one another, constitute a carefully designed and reasonably arranged water diversion hub that contributes to irrigation, flood control, and shipping.

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