Dujiangyan Irrigation System – treasure of Sichuan
Dujiangyan is located on the Minjiang River of Sichuan Chengdu Plain, 56 km. (34 mi.) from Chengdu, it is a large water irrigation project that was built by Libing. Dujiangyan Irrigation System is China’s oldest and is still used irrigation system, which brings benefits to people for over 2,000 years. Meanwhile, Dujiangyan (“yan” meaning “dyke” in Mandarin), one of the popular Sichuan attractions, with beautiful scenery and many historical sites, is you best option for summer resort if you plan to travel to Sichuan.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System is composed of three parts – Yuzui, Feisha, and Baoping Gate. Yuzui is a water-divided dyke which was built in the center of the river. It separates the Min River into an Outer River and an Inner River. The Outer River is used to give flood relief while the Inner River is used for irrigation. Feisha Dyke is used for water relief, sand relief and regulates the flow of water. Baoping Gate regulates the flow of coming water. Baoping or Treasure bottle, derives from the gate of the river and is more like the bottleneck. Dujiang Dyke attracts many foreigners each year, including many water experts, who give high praise for its high scientific level. If you are interested, see the related tour at WindhorseTour: Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mt.Qingcheng Tour.
Here are 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System in China
Engineering Marvel: The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a testament to ancient Chinese engineering prowess. Built over 2,200 years ago, it remains a functional irrigation facility today, showcasing ancient techniques that have withstood the test of time. It's a rare opportunity to witness one of the world's oldest non-dam irrigation systems.
Cultural Significance: The system is not just an engineering feat but also a cultural treasure. It reflects the wisdom and ingenuity of the ancient Qin people and offers insight into ancient Chinese society and its relationship with the environment.
Historical Legacy: Dujiangyan is a living history book. Visitors can learn about its creation by the engineer Li Bing and his son during the Warring States period, making it a significant historical site for those interested in China's rich past.
Scenic Beauty: The area around Dujiangyan is breathtaking, with the Min River flowing through and the backdrop of the Sichuan landscape. It's an excellent spot for photography, relaxation, and appreciation of natural beauty.
Educational Experience: For those interested in science, engineering, or hydrology, the site provides a real-world example of sustainable environmental management and ancient hydraulic engineering. It's an educational trip where one can learn about water conservation and ancient Chinese science.
Cultural Events and Festivals: The region often hosts festivals and cultural events, especially around the Chinese New Year, offering a glimpse into local traditions, cuisine, and performances.
Combination of Activities: Visitors can combine their visits with trips to nearby attractions such as Mount Qingcheng, a sacred Daoist mountain, adding a spiritual and physical dimension to the journey.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: As a recognized World Heritage Site, Dujiangyan represents a location of outstanding universal value, joining the ranks of the most important natural and cultural sites on the planet.
Spiritual Connection: The area is not just a technological wonder but also a spiritual haven, with various temples and shrines around, offering a serene and reflective experience.
Interaction with Locals: Visiting Dujiangyan allows for interaction with the local community, understanding their way of life, and how the ancient system still benefits their agricultural practices.
For these reasons and more, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a must-visit for those looking to enrich their understanding of history, culture, engineering, and the natural world. It's an enriching experience that offers something for everyone, from the casual tourist to the serious scholar.
Other Amazing sites worth visiting near the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
There are many tourist attractions along the Dujiang Dyke. On the Lidui (the mountain part cut by Mt. Yulei) Fulong Guan, triple temples, were built along the mountain step by step. The front temple displays the stone-etched statue of Libing which was found in the river when built the sluice of the Outer River in 1974. The stone statue built prior Eastern Han dynasty is the earliest Yuandiao stone statue and it is very precious. Left of Fulong Guan lies Baoping Gate, where the rivers run fast in a magnificent scene. For tourists who plan to travel to Sichuan and want to take adventurous tours, you are recommended to take another tour: Leshan Grand Buddha and Mt.Emei Hiking Tour, which contains two popular Sichuan attractions. Back of Fulong Guan, at the highest point built the Guanlan Pavilion, in a two-floor and eight octagonal style, leaning over the railing where you can see Yuzui, Suo Bridge, the streaming Min River and Xiling Snow Peak. It is the best place for photography.
There is the Erwang Temple on Mt. Yulei, which was built for Libing and his son. The temple was first built in Southern-Northern Dynasty, called Chongde Temple, but after Song Dynasty, Libing and his son became the King, hence the name Erwang Temple (Two Kings Shrine). The existing temple was rebuilt in Qing Dynasty. The temple was built along the mountain’s slope, magnificent and surrounding environment is beautiful. In the main temple and the back temple exist statues of Libing and Erlang. On the stone wall etched the pithy words on how to control flood efficiently by Libing.
Walking on its Anlan Bridge is a must thing to do when tourists who travel to Sichuan to Dujiang Dyke. The dyke crosses the Outer River and the Inner River. Seeing from far, it just like a rainbow hanging in sky, or resembles like a long net that fisherman is drying nets, really unique in design. Wondering on the bridge, you can see the water of Min River roaring near from west and water flowing far away lost horizon to irrigate the farmland. You will be amazed by the principle behind the big project, like the great thought of Libing, lost in horizons.