Dujiangyan Scenic Area

Nestled in the western reaches of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. This vast engineering marvel, dating back over 2,250 years, continues to provide essential services for the region, from flood control and irrigation to water supply and environmental protection.

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System: A Masterpiece of Hydraulic EngineeringThe Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a sprawling network of headworks, irrigation channels, reservoirs, and engineering structures that collectively serve the water needs of over 11.3 million mu of farmland across the Sichuan Basin. Covering an area of more than 200 mu, this ingenious system was conceived and constructed during the later years of King Qin Zhao's reign, under the guidance of Li Bing, the governor of Shu Commandery.Leveraging the region's unique topography, where the land slopes from higher elevations in the northwest to lower elevations in the southeast, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System harnesses natural forces to divert water without the use of dams. The intricate interplay between the embankments, water diversion channels, flood control mechanisms, sediment removal systems, and flow regulation structures ensures the efficient and comprehensive management of water resources, delivering benefits in flood control, irrigation, water transportation, and social water use.

The Headworks: A Masterful Orchestration of Water DynamicsThe Dujiangyan Canal Headworks, the heart of the irrigation system, is a marvel of engineering that seamlessly integrates three key components: the Fish Mouth, the Flying Sand Weir, and the Bottle Neck. These elements work in harmony, mutually restraining and coordinating their operations to divert water for irrigation, divert floodwaters to mitigate disasters, and achieve the delicate balance of "dividing the water into four parts, balancing floods and droughts."The Fish Mouth, a strategically positioned inlet, channels water into the irrigation system, while the Flying Sand Weir, a unique structure that leverages the natural flow of the river, helps to regulate sediment and prevent clogging. The Bottle Neck, a narrowing of the river channel, creates a natural flow control mechanism, ensuring the efficient distribution of water resources.

Erwang Temple: A Tribute to the Visionaries Behind DujiangyanPerched on a hillside overlooking the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, the Erwang Temple stands as a testament to the visionaries who conceived and constructed this remarkable feat of engineering. Originally built as a memorial to the Shu King, the temple was later renamed "Chongde Temple" during the reign of Emperor Jianwu of the Qi Dynasty, when it was dedicated to Li Bing and his son, the masterminds behind the irrigation system.The temple complex, spanning an impressive 50,000 square meters, is a harmonious blend of temple architecture and garden design, offering visitors a serene and contemplative experience. The main hall houses statues of Li Bing and his son, along with treasured inscriptions and poetic tributes to their water control achievements.

Preserving the Legacy: Ongoing Maintenance and UpgradesTo ensure the continued operation and preservation of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a comprehensive system of irrigation officials and annual maintenance has been established. This commitment to stewardship has allowed the system to remain functional for over two millennia, providing increasing benefits to the region.As part of this ongoing effort, the Dujiangyan Scenic Area will undergo a renovation and upgrade of Gate 6 (Qin Yanshou) from March 18 to April 30, 2025, ensuring the continued accessibility and enjoyment of this remarkable historical and cultural landmark.

A Multifaceted Treasure: Dujiangyan's Accolades and SignificanceThe Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a true marvel, recognized for its exceptional cultural and natural heritage. It is an important component of both the World Cultural Heritage and World Natural Heritage sites, a World Irrigation Engineering Heritage site, a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, a National Scenic Area, and a National AAAAA-rated Tourist Attraction.This ancient hydraulic engineering masterpiece continues to play a vital role in the economic development of Sichuan Province, providing essential services for flood control, irrigation, water supply, and environmental protection. Its enduring legacy and ongoing relevance make Dujiangyan an indispensable part of the region's prosperity and a testament to the ingenuity of its creators.