At the Three Weirs in Chengdu, enjoy the natural beauty of the weirs and the surrounding water features. Hiking along the scenic trails, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, and photographing the lush landscape are highly recommended. It's also a great place for a peaceful walk or picnic by the river.

Sandaoyan Town, located in the northern part of Chengdu's Pidu District , is only 22 kilometers from Chengdu and 6 kilometers from Pi County. An ancient town in Western Sichuan with over a thousand years of history, Sandaoyan is known as the " Water Town of Heavenly Abundance . " The town has fully utilized its abundant water resources to create a riverside living environment surrounded by flowers and willows, creating an ecological style that embodies the characteristics of " Western Sichuan folk houses and water town characteristics . "
The town is dotted with green tile roofs, fire-proof gables of different heights, bluestone river railings for protection, and winding pebble paths, all of which fully demonstrate the coexistence of tradition and modernity, the combination of nature and the city, and the rich and varied typical western Sichuan dwellings.
The stilt houses, Yuejiang Tower, Wangjiang Tower, Yongding Bridge, Yan Bridge, the large archway of Sandayan Ancient Town, the kilometer-long water town cultural corridor ... the town's exquisite attractions all showcase the unique charm of the western Sichuan water town.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
free
All day
The Three Weirs, also known as the "San Jiao," are an ancient water control system in the Chengdu area. Historically, they were built to control water flow for agricultural irrigation and flood management. Today, they remain a significant symbol of the region's history and engineering ingenuity.
The Three Weirs are located in the western part of Chengdu. You can get there by taxi or private car, or use public transportation such as buses to nearby stops. Walking from the city center can take about 45 minutes.
The Three Weirs are open year-round, and the best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best experience for avoiding crowds and capturing the serene beauty of the area.
The entrance is typically free of charge, though some specific sections or tours may have an entry fee of around 20 RMB. Tickets can be bought on-site if necessary.
Booking in advance is usually not required, except during major holidays when there might be an influx of tourists. For group tours, it's recommended to book at least a few days in advance.
You can fully explore the Three Weirs area in about 1-2 hours, especially if you take the time to enjoy the natural surroundings, walk the trails, and take photographs.
The must-see highlights include the three distinct weirs, the peaceful riverside walking paths, and the surrounding lush landscape. The unique engineering of the weirs and the scenic views of the water are perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available for certain areas, but English-language options might be limited. It's advisable to check with local tour operators in advance for non-Mandarin-speaking tours.
One of the best photography spots is from the top of the weirs, where you can capture the flowing water and surrounding greenery. Another great spot is along the riverbanks during sunrise or sunset when the light is perfect for scenic shots.
Start your visit by exploring the main weirs and following the riverside trails. Make sure to stop at the viewpoints along the way for photos. If time allows, enjoy a picnic by the water or explore nearby natural features.
Night visits or light shows are not available at the Three Weirs. It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
The area can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon hours.
Basic facilities such as toilets, small food stalls, and rest areas are available near the main areas of the Three Weirs. It's a good idea to bring your own water and snacks for a more comfortable experience.
The Three Weirs area is generally accessible for elderly visitors and children, though some areas may have uneven terrain. It may not be fully accessible for disabled visitors due to the natural terrain.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used and widely accepted in the area, making transactions easier.
There are a few small local restaurants and food stalls near the Three Weirs area offering Sichuan specialties like hotpot, dumplings, and local snacks. For more options, head into Chengdu city.
Vegetarian options are widely available, as many Sichuan dishes are vegetable-based. Halal food options are limited in this area, but can be found in the city of Chengdu.
There are several budget hotels and guesthouses near the Three Weirs area. For a wider variety of accommodations, consider staying in Chengdu, where there are many options ranging from budget to luxury hotels.
Nearby attractions include the Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, and Mount Qingcheng, all of which can easily be combined for a day trip from the Three Weirs.
There are small souvenir shops near the Three Weirs offering local crafts, handmade trinkets, and traditional Sichuan products like tea, spices, and embroidery.
To continue your trip after visiting the Three Weirs, the best options are taking a taxi or a public bus to Chengdu city for further sightseeing. You can also use local tour services to visit nearby landmarks.