The distance from Chengdu to Dujiangyan Irrigation System is about 50 kilometers. You can choose to take a high-speed train and get there in about half an hour; if you choose a bus, it will take about 1.5 hours. Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a huge project, which includes the head pivot of the canals (Yuzui, Feishayan, Baobukou), many water diversion channels, as well as a variety of buildings and large, medium and small reservoirs. Dujiangyan Irrigation System Scenic Spot is located in the west of Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, which is not only a miracle of water conservancy engineering, but also a World Cultural Heritage Site, a World Natural Heritage Site, a World Irrigation Engineering Heritage Site, a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, a National Scenic Spot, and an AAAAA National Tourist Scenic Spot.
Transportation from Chengdu to Dujiangyan Irrigation System
High Speed Trains:
Take Metro Line 2 in Chengdu city to Xipu Station(犀浦站).
Then transfer to high speed train from Xipu Station (犀浦站) to Lidui Park Station (离堆公园站) in about 23 minutes, the ticket price is about 10 RMB.
After leaving the station, you can walk 900 meters (about 10 minutes) or take bus No.4 or No.7 (a few minutes) to “Dujiangyan Scenic Spot (都江堰景区)” station, where is the entrance of the scenic spot.
Buses:
Take a shuttle bus to Dujiangyan Passenger Transportation Center at Cha Dianzi Passenger Transportation Station in downtown Chengdu, which takes about 1.5 hours and costs about 20 RMB.
After arriving at Dujiangyan Passenger Transportation Center, you can take bus No.4 or No.7 to the entrance of the scenic spot.
Self-drive:
Starting from Chengdu city, it takes about 1 hour to reach Dujiangyan city center via Chengdu-Chongqing Expressway.
There is a parking lot near the scenic spot, and the parking fee is about 10~20 RMB/day.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System Scenic Tour
Ticket price:
RMB 80/person. 60 to 64 years old foreign senior citizens are exempted from admission on non-national holidays with valid documents. 65 years old and above foreign senior citizens are also exempted from admission with valid documents.
Tour Duration:
Half a day is recommended to fully appreciate the beauty and wisdom of water management of this world heritage site.
Main Attractions:
Fulongguan: An ancient Taoist temple dedicated to the water-ruining heroes Li Bing, father and son, where you can experience the Taoist culture.
Baobuikou: an important part of the Dujiangyan Project, controlling the flow of the Minjiang River into the Chengdu Plain, you can see the spectacular scenery of the water passing by up close.
Fish Mouth Dike: Dividing the Minjiang River into inner and outer rivers, the inner river is used for irrigation and the outer river is used for flood control.
Flying Sand Weir: A facility to regulate water flow and prevent sediment deposition, ensuring clear water flow in the inner river, the design is very ingenious and reflects the wisdom of the ancient people.
Anlan Suo Bridge: an ancient bridge that crosses the Minjiang River, it has historical significance and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Minjiang River when you walk on the bridge.
Tips: If you want to know more about the wisdom of water management, you can ask the scenic spot lecturer or scan the code to listen to the electronic guide.
Food Recommendation:
During the tour, you can try the special snacks in Dujiangyan city area, such as the brown sugar mash with handmade patties from Zhang Mashu’s family, which costs about 20 yuan per person.
For lunch, you can eat local Sichuan cuisine at Lanxiangcun Local Cuisine Restaurant or Steaming Small Bowl Private Cuisine near Dujiangyan Scenic Area, about 53 RMB/person and 47 RMB/person.
Recommended Nearby Attractions and Transportation
Mount Qingcheng
Attractions: Mount Qingcheng is a famous Taoist mountain with beautiful scenery and the reputation of “Qingcheng World’s Seclusion”. The front of the mountain is the birthplace of Taoism, very quiet; the back of the mountain natural scenery is very good, suitable for hiking enthusiasts.
Transportation: Take a taxi from Dujiangyan Irrigation System attractions to Mount Qingcheng for about 40 yuan, or take the 101 bus or scenic spot direct bus, about 30 minutes to arrive.
Admission price: 80 RMB for the front mountain, 20 RMB for the back mountain.
Visiting time: half a day to one day is recommended.
Guxian Ancient City
Attractions: The ancient city of Guxian has buildings in Ming and Qing styles, a blend of city life and small literary stores, and is free to open. The night view of Nanqiao is particularly beautiful, with lights shining on the Minjiang River.
Transportation: You can walk or take public transportation from Dujiangyan Irrigation System attractions.
Tour time: 1~2 hours is recommended.
Food Recommendation: In the ancient city of irrigation county, you can try local specialties such as green onion rolls and five-spice/spicy rabbit head from You Rabbit Head.
Suggested Itinerary
One-day tour: visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System attractions in the morning, and in the afternoon, go to Irrigation County Ancient City and Nanqiao to stroll around and taste local snacks.
Two-day tour: the first day visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System Scenic Spot and Guixian Ancient City, the second day go to Qingcheng Mountain for sightseeing.
Precautions
Wear comfortable shoes because it takes a long time to walk around.
Wear non-slip shoes if you are going to hike on Mount Qingcheng.
Bring mosquito repellent in summer to prevent mosquito bites.
Bring a warm jacket in winter.
There are more tourists on weekends and holidays, so it is recommended to arrive at the scenic spot before 8:30 to avoid the peak of the crowd and better enjoy the view.