A Panoramic Guide to Dujiangyan Tourism

A tour of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System begins with the world-renowned Dujiangyan Irrigation System. In 256 BC, Li Bing, the prefect of Shu Prefecture, and his sons led the construction of the Yuzui, Feishayan, and Baopingkou dikes, dividing the turbulent Minjiang River into two. This diversion provided both flood control and irrigation, ensuring that the Chengdu Plain was free from famine and floods. From the Qinyan Tower, the Yuzui diversion dam resembles a giant whale lying on the waves, with the outer river surging downward while the inner river flows gently toward the vast fertile fields of western Sichuan. Walking along the plank road, you can get a close-up look at the Feishayan spillway, still in use after over 2,000 years, and experience the ancient wisdom of "deepening the riverbed and building the weir low."

Qingcheng Mountain, just two kilometers from the canal headwaters, is another trump card for Dujiangyan tourism. "Qingcheng is the most secluded place in the world." The winding paths of Yuecheng Lake, the shrouded Tianshi Cave by canopy trees, and the mist-shrouded Shangqing Palace form a natural ink painting. To experience two World Heritage sites in one, combine the Dujiangyan Irrigation System with the Qingcheng Front and Back Mountains. The Front Mountain is home to numerous Taoist temples, while the Back Mountain boasts pristine canyons and cascading waterfalls, offering breathtaking scenery year-round. At night, the dazzling lights of Nanqiao, accompanied by the murmur of the Minjiang River, and the interplay of the ancient weir and neon lights add a touch of romance to Dujiangyan tourism.

A comprehensive guide to Dujiangyan makes your trip easy and efficient. Chengdu Metro Line 2 goes directly to Xipu, then transfers to the Chengguan High-Speed Railway for a 30-minute journey to Lidui Park Station. Driving via the Chengguan Expressway takes 40 minutes. The scenic area has four large parking lots, priced at 10 yuan per car. Admission is 80 yuan per person, with Qingcheng Front Mountain 90 yuan and Back Mountain 20 yuan. Make a reservation through the official mini-app and enter the park instantly by scanning your ID card, skipping the lines. Transportation within the scenic area is also convenient: the Yuzui-Feishayan-Baopingkou walking loop is approximately 4 kilometers long, with gentle stone plank paths, making it easy for both the elderly and children to complete. For a more relaxed experience, take a sightseeing bus (10 yuan one-way) or scan a QR code to ride a shared bicycle. For dining, Xingfu Road Food Street, just outside Lidui Park, offers authentic Sichuan cuisine, including Yoututou (Youtu head), scallion rolls, ice jelly, and Qingcheng cured pork ribs. For just 30 yuan per person, you can enjoy authentic Sichuan cuisine. Accommodation options are plentiful: inns within the ancient city offer views of the flowing waters of Nanqiao, while high-end hot spring hotels at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain offer nighttime stargazing. The official "Dujiangyan Tourism" mini-app provides real-time information on water levels, visitor numbers, and performances, allowing you to explore Dujiangyan on your phone.

 

If you want to elevate your Dujiangyan trip to a unique memory, customized tours are quietly gaining popularity. • Study Tour: Led by a water conservancy expert, the team will delve into the heart of the Yuzui River to measure flow, personally build a 1:200 scale miniature model of the weir, and complete a "Research Report on Ancient Water Conservancy Projects";

• Photography Tour: Arrive at the Yulei Mountain Observation Deck at 5:30 AM with a dedicated vehicle. Enjoy a drone-guided sunrise over the Minjiang River and the ancient weir, shrouded in a dreamlike mist;

• Family Tour: Experience a Panda Valley keeper and participate in a Qingcheng Mountain Botanical Class. Children will prepare steamed buns for the giant pandas and identify 200 Chinese herbal medicines, creating a fun and educational experience;

• Luxurious Getaway: Stay in a single-family villa at the Six Senses Qingcheng Mountain. Your personal butler will arrange morning Tai Chi exercises and a Taoist health feast. In the afternoon, you'll be transported directly to the Dujiangyan Scenic Area VIP entrance by business vehicle, enjoying exclusive access to the Weir Gong Dao (Weir Gong Dao) trails, avoiding the crowds.

All customized packages include substantial outdoor insurance, a bilingual butler, and on-site medical care, truly ensuring your "Gujiangyan Tour is your own." Save this guide to Dujiangyan, and next time you are surrounded by the thousand-year-old water charm, you will leave your own unique memories.