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Dujiangyan Irrigation System is located in the west of Dujiangyan City, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, on the Minjiang River in the western part of the Chengdu Plain. It consists of the Fish Mouth, Feishayan, and Baopingkou sections. For more than 2,000 years, it has played a role in flood control and irrigation, making the Chengdu Plain a "land of abundance" with fertile fields and water resources. To date, the irrigation area has reached more than 30 counties and cities, covering an area of nearly 10 million mu. It is the world's oldest and only surviving large-scale water conservancy project still in use, featuring damless water diversion. It embodies the diligence, bravery, and wisdom of the ancient Chinese working people.
Dujiangyan is hailed as the "ancestor of world water conservancy culture." Qingcheng Mountain, known as "the most secluded place in the world," is the birthplace of Taoism in China. Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan Irrigation System are inscribed on the World Heritage List, and Dujiangyan City has been designated a "Famous Historical and Cultural City of China" and an "Excellent Tourist City of China." Built during the Warring States Period, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System has weathered more than 2,000 years of wind and rain, continuing to play an increasingly important role. Its thousand-year-old damless existence embodies the harmonious unity of man and nature. Despite traversing time, it still stands tall and benefits humanity, making it a must-see attraction when visiting Dujiangyan.
July to August is the best time to travel to Dujiangyan.
1 day
Regular Ticket: Adult Ticket 90 RMB (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Half-price ticket: Students, senior citizens aged 60 (inclusive) to 70 (exclusive), with valid ID.
Free ticket: 70 years old and above with valid ID (only half-price tickets can be purchased during Golden Week).
Tips:
The guide is 10 yuan (another fee); the round-trip ticket for the scenic area sightseeing bus is 15 yuan, and the one-way ticket is 10 yuan (from the stele pavilion to Yuzui).
08:30-17:30 (Monday to Sunday, December 1st - March 1st of the following year)
08:30-18:00 (Monday-Sunday, March 2-November 30)
Dujiangyan, built around 256 BC during the Qin Dynasty, is the oldest water conservancy project still in use. It controls flooding, irrigates farmland, and shaped the development of Sichuan, showcasing ancient Chinese engineering and ingenuity.
Booking ahead is recommended during weekends and holidays, ideally 1–2 weeks in advance.
2–4 hours to explore the main irrigation system, temples, bridges, and surrounding scenic areas.
Guided tours and audio guides are available in Mandarin and English, providing historical and engineering explanations.
Start at the visitor center, walk to the Fish Mouth Levee, continue to the Flying Sand Weir, visit Erwang Temple, cross Anlan Suspension Bridge, then explore nearby trails or boat rides.
Night visits are generally not available; special events may occasionally be held during festivals.
Peak crowds occur on weekends and Chinese holidays. Weekdays, especially mornings, are less crowded.
Many areas are wheelchair accessible, but some hilly paths and suspension bridge sections may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Cards and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted; small cash may be needed for minor purchases.
Vegetarian and vegan options are generally available; halal options require checking nearby restaurants.
