Epic Dujiangyan Irrigation System over 2,000 years
Dujiangyan Irrigation System: A Marvel of Ancient Engineering
Dujiangyan Irrigation System, built in 256 BC, is surrounded by beautiful scenery and numerous historical and cultural relics. Key attractions near Dujiangyan include Fulong Temple, Erwang Temple, Anlan Suspension Bridge, Yulei Pass, Lidui Park, Yulei Mountain Park, and Lingyan Temple.
With the advancement of technology and the expansion of the irrigation area, since 1936, concrete technology has been used to repair and reinforce the headwork of Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Some water conservancy facilities were added, but the ancient layout and water management strategies, such as “deep dredging of the channel, low construction of the weir,” “following the natural force and adapting to the times,” and “cutting corners at bends and pulling cores at straights,” remained unchanged. This made Dujiangyan Irrigation System a global model of water resource utilization.
Hydraulic experts who have studied the entire design are astounded by its scientific level. For example, the design of the Feisha Weir cleverly applies the principle of vortex flow. This weir can be used for irrigation in normal times, for discharging excess water into the outer river during floods, and also for flushing out sediment and stones, with even large rocks rolling away at times. Built without cement, this massive project used locally sourced materials, such as bamboo baskets filled with pebbles, to construct the weir, making it cost-effective and highly efficient.
*Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Erwang Temple: Honoring the Legendary Builders
Erwang Temple, located on the hillside of the right bank of the Min River, faces Dujiangyan Irrigation System. It was originally built as a shrine for King Shu and later renamed “Chongde Shrine” during the reign of Qi Jianwu (494–498 AD) to honor Li Bing and his son, the system’s legendary builders. In the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), the two were posthumously titled kings, hence the name Erwang Temple. The temple’s main hall houses statues of Li Bing and his son, along with inscriptions and steles dedicated to their water management achievements.
*Erwang Temple
Fulong Temple: A Mythical Connection to Water Control
Fulong Temple, located in Lidui Park, is said to be where Li Bing subdued an evil dragon during his water control efforts. The temple contains three halls, and in the front hall stands a stone statue of Li Bing carved during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD). The temple also holds statues of hydraulic workers from the Eastern Han period and relics from the Tang Dynasty, such as the Flying Dragon Cauldron, a reminder of when Princess Jin Xian and Princess Yu Zhen practiced Taoism at Mount Qingcheng.
*Fulong Temple
Anlan Suspension Bridge: A Timeless Icon
Anlan Suspension Bridge, also known as the “Couple’s Bridge,” was built before the Song Dynasty and sits above the Fish Mouth section of Dujiangyan Irrigation System. As one of China’s five great ancient bridges, it is a symbol of the Dujiangyan landscape. The bridge was supported by wooden piles and suspended by thick bamboo cables, with planks laid across as the walkway, and bamboo rails as handholds, spanning about 500 meters. It was destroyed during the Ming Dynasty’s late wars (17th century) and is now replaced by steel cables and concrete piles.
*Anlan Suspension Bridge
A National Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Dujiangyan is not only a globally renowned ancient water conservation project but also a major scenic area. In 1982, Dujiangyan, as a key part of the Sichuan Qingcheng Mountain-Dujiangyan Scenic Area, was included in the first batch of national-level scenic spots by the State Council. On May 8, 2007, the Qingcheng Mountain-Dujiangyan Tourist Area was officially designated as a National 5A Tourist Attraction by the China National Tourism Administration.
According to UNESCO’s definition of cultural heritage, Dujiangyan Irrigation System possesses outstanding universal value, with its ancient engineering, grand scale, scientific layout, and harmonious integration with its surroundings. In 2000, the World Heritage Committee officially recognized Dujiangyan Irrigation System as a World Cultural Heritage site during its 24th session.
*Special Panda food in Dujiangyan
*Dujiangyan “Blue Eyes”