UNESCO Highlight - 2300 years old of Duajiangyan Irrigation System

Introduction to Dujiangyan Irrigation System

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System (都江堰水利工程) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Sichuan Province, China. Built around 256 BC during the Qin Dynasty by governor Li Bing and his son, it is one of the oldest and only remaining non-dam irrigation systems in the world. Its ingenious design tamed the flood-prone Min River, transforming the Chengdu Plain into a fertile "Land of Abundance" (天府之国) that continues to support millions of people today.

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Key Features & Engineering Genius

1. Three Core Components:
· Yuzui (Fish Mouth)：
A man-made levee dividing the Min River into inner (for irrigation) and outer (for flood discharge) channels.
· Feishayan (Flying Sand Spillway)：
A spillway regulating water flow and sediment, using natural forces to prevent clogging.
· Baopingkou (Precious Bottle Neck)：
The final channel directing water into the Chengdu Plain’s network of irrigation canals.

2. "Nature-Friendly" Design:
· Uses topographical gradients and hydraulic principles instead of dams.
· Automatically manages water distribution based on seasonal flow changes.
· Self-silt-cleaning: Floodwaters naturally flush sediment out through the spillway.

3. Historical Impact:
· Ended chronic flooding and droughts in Sichuan.
· Enabled sustainable agriculture, boosting Qin’s economic/military power.
· Still irrigates ≥530,000 hectares of farmland today.

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Visitor Tips

· Best Time to Visit: April-October (water flow is most dramatic).
· Ticket: ~90 RMB (includes access to parks and temples).
· Transport: 1-hour high-speed train from Chengdu (Xipu Station → Dujiangyan).

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Why It Still Matters

The Dujiangyan system is a testament to ancient Chinese ecological wisdom. Unlike modern megadams, it requires minimal maintenance, avoids ecosystem disruption, and remains fully functional after 2,300 years — a model of sustainable engineering.
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