Dujiangyan Introduction

Introduction
Dujiangyan, located in Sichuan Province, China, is the oldest and only surviving dam-free irrigation system in the world. As a remarkable hydraulic engineering feat, Dujiangyan not only played a vital role in agricultural development throughout history but also became an important part of China's cultural heritage. It showcases the ingenuity and creativity of ancient Chinese people and is now a picturesque tourist destination.

History and Significance of Dujiangyan
Dujiangyan was built in 256 BC under the leadership of Li Bing and his son, Li Erlang, to solve the flooding problems of the Min River while irrigating the Chengdu Plain. This project does not use any dams; instead, it controls water flow and prevents floods through three key structures: Fish Mouth Levee, Feisha Dam, and Baopingkou. The construction of Dujiangyan transformed the Chengdu Plain into the "Land of Abundance" and left an invaluable example of hydraulic engineering for future generations.

Main Attractions

1. Fish Mouth Levee: One of the core structures of Dujiangyan, the Fish Mouth divides the Min River into inner and outer streams, serving the dual purpose of irrigation and flood control. Visitors can observe the ingenious design of this ancient engineering marvel and appreciate the wisdom of the ancients.

2. Baopingkou: Another essential part of the Dujiangyan project, Baopingkou functions like a bottleneck, regulating the amount of water flowing into the inner river to ensure a steady flow without flooding. Its design is breathtaking, effectively utilizing terrain and water force, showcasing the intricacy of ancient hydraulic engineering.

3. Feisha Dam: Feisha Dam reduces and directs the silt and gravel in the water, ensuring the cleanliness and stability of the water flow. While visiting Feisha Dam, tourists can learn how ancient people harnessed natural forces to maintain clear waterways.

Natural Scenery
Dujiangyan is not only an important historical site but also surrounded by captivating natural scenery. The Min River runs crystal clear, flanked by lush bamboo and evergreen pines, with majestic mountains in the background, making the entire area particularly impressive. As you stroll along the paths of Dujiangyan, you can admire the changing scenery throughout the seasons and experience the endless charm of nature.

Recommended Itinerary
One-Day Tour:

• Morning: Start your journey from Chengdu and head to Dujiangyan to explore the Fish Mouth Levee and Baopingkou, understanding the design and operation principles of ancient hydraulic engineering.
• Midday: Enjoy local delicacies at a restaurant within the Dujiangyan scenic area for lunch, such as Sichuan hotpot or other regional specialties.
• Afternoon: Continue your visit to Feisha Dam in the afternoon to experience the combination of ancient wisdom and natural forces. Afterwards, take a leisurely walk along the Min River to enjoy the scenic views on both sides.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Dujiangyan, offering pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
• Transportation: From Chengdu, you can take a high-speed train or drive to Dujiangyan, then transfer to a local sightseeing bus to enter the scenic area.

Conclusion
Dujiangyan is not just a great hydraulic project but also a symbol of ancient Chinese wisdom and the harmony between nature and humanity. Here, you can feel the diligence and intelligence of the ancients while experiencing the endless charm of nature. Whether you're interested in history and culture or simply want to connect with nature, Dujiangyan is a must-visit destination.