2-Day Parent-Child Trip Guide to Dujiangyan in Early November: Free Blue Tears Chase with Kids

In early November, Dujiangyan sheds the summer heat, with a faint lingering scent of osmanthus in the breeze and temperatures just right for a leisurely stroll with kids. This time, we spent 2 days unlocking the free "Blue Tears" night view and letting the kids experience the wisdom of the millennium-old water conservancy project. The parent-child interaction was full-on, and we’ve organized this guide to share with parents who want a relaxed trip with their children!

Day 1: Explore the Ancient City + Free Blue Tears Chase, Feel the Romance of the Night

We deliberately chose the 10 a.m. high-speed train from Chengdu, taking just over 20 minutes from Xipu Station to Liduigongyuan Station. The kids enjoyed watching the rural scenery outside the window and didn’t feel bored at all. After getting off the train, it was a 5-minute walk to the pre-booked homestay. After dropping off our luggage, we started the first day’s itinerary.

Afternoon: Parent-Child Exploration in Guanxian Ancient City

1. Stroll the ancient city and listen to stories: We walked straight into Guanxian Ancient City. The bluestone pavement was very smooth, making it easy to push a stroller. We didn’t rush but showed the kids the relief carvings on the ancient city walls and told them a simple story about "Li Bing controlling the water"—like how Grandpa Li Bing figured out ways to tame the floods. The kids’ eyes lit up and they even pointed at the carvings asking, "Is this about building water conservancy?"
2. Chenjia Alley + Snack Street, taste local flavors: When we reached Chenjia Alley, there was a small stall selling sugar paintings. We let the kids pick a "little tiger" shape and watched the syrup turn into a pattern in the artisan’s hands. The kids clapped excitedly. Then we went to the ancient city snack street and chose non-spicy zhazha noodles, brown sugar glutinous rice cakes, and local kiwifruit. The portions were generous and affordable. The kids ate half a bowl of noodles and gnawed on a piece of rice cake, saying, "This tastes better than the noodles at home."

Evening: Free Blue Tears Chase, Check in at 2 Perfect Spots

Following the guide, we found spots that were very convenient with kids and didn’t require tickets—totally worth it!

1. Around 6:40 p.m. at Tianfuyuan (Yangtianwo Sluice): We arrived at Tianfuyuan at 6:30 p.m. There were railings for the kids to hold onto, making it safe and easy to watch. When the lights came on, the blue light shadows in the water swayed with the flow, really like "blue tears" sparkling. The kids pointed at the water shouting, "Mom, look, blue stars!" and even reached out to "catch" the light shadows. The interaction was fantastic. There weren’t too many people, and we could take some night photos of the kids with a clean background.
2. Walk to Nanqiao for a more stunning panoramic view: From Tianfuyuan, we walked along Xinyankan Road. There were small lanterns for sale by the roadside, so we bought one for the kids to carry. Slowly walking to Nanqiao, the road was wide and not crowded even with tourists. Standing on the bridge, we could see a wider water surface where the "blue tears" connected in a stretch. Combined with the lights on the bridge, the whole scene was especially beautiful. The kids carried their little lanterns, walking slowly on the bridge and "showing off" their lanterns to other children, making it lively.
⚠️ Reminder: The lights are on until 11 p.m., but with kids, it’s recommended to head back around 8:30 p.m. since there’s more to do the next day and the kids need rest. Remember to buy return train tickets in advance. We bought the 8:10 p.m. ticket to avoid the rush.

Day 2: Explore Dujiangyan Scenic Area, Let Kids Experience Millennium Wisdom

After a relaxed first day, the second day was mainly about visiting Dujiangyan Scenic Area to let the kids get close to the wonders of the water conservancy project. Although there is an entrance fee, it’s definitely worth it since it’s a World Cultural Heritage site and lets kids learn while having fun.

Morning: Parent-Child Science Tour in the Scenic Area

1. Enter from Liduigongyuan entrance and first see "Baopingkou": After entering the scenic area, we took the kids to Baopingkou, pointing at the mountain and water flow and telling them, "Look, this is like a bottle mouth that blocks excess water to ensure enough irrigation for downstream fields." We also let the kids touch the nearby stones to feel the texture of thousand-year-old rock. The scenic area offers free audio guides for rent. We rented one, set it to children’s mode, and the explanations were simple and easy to understand, so the kids could roughly follow along.
2. Walk the Anlan Suspension Bridge, challenge a little courage: The Anlan Suspension Bridge is a must-visit. Walking on the bridge sways a bit. We held the kids’ hands and walked slowly, telling them, "This bridge was built by ancient people without steel or cement, only wood and ropes. Isn’t that amazing?" The kids were a bit scared at first but adapted after a few steps and even gently shook the bridge to play a "little adventure" game with us. Standing in the middle of the bridge, we could see the Min River flowing below—very spectacular.

Afternoon: Visit Erwang Temple + Panda Valley (optional), a relaxed finish

1. Erwang Temple to pay respects to Li Bing and hear more water control stories: From the suspension bridge, we went to Erwang Temple. Inside, there are statues of Li Bing and his son. We bowed to the statues with the kids and listened to the audio guide explaining Li Bing’s water control methods like "deep dredging and low dam construction." Although the kids might not fully understand, they at least learned "to learn from smart people and find ways to solve problems." The temple stairs aren’t many, so it’s not tiring to walk around, and you can see a panoramic view of Dujiangyan.
2. Optional: Visit Panda Valley to see pandas: If the kids like pandas, you can go to Panda Valley in the afternoon (not far from the scenic area, about a 15-minute taxi ride). In early November, pandas are more active, and you can see them eating bamboo and climbing trees. The kids can observe pandas up close and learn what kind of bamboo pandas eat. Our kid loved pandas and stayed for almost an hour, even learning to say, "Pandas are national treasures; we must protect them."

Evening: Return to Chengdu, end a pleasant trip

We left Panda Valley around 4 p.m., took a taxi to Liduigongyuan Station, and caught a high-speed train back to Chengdu at around 5 p.m. The kids were so tired they fell asleep on the train, and we arrived home just in time for dinner and rest—a perfect ending.

Parent-Child Travel Tips (Early November Edition)

1. Clothing: Early November in Dujiangyan has a big temperature difference between morning and evening. It’s recommended to dress kids in a "light jacket + long-sleeve T-shirt" for easy layering. Choose non-slip sneakers for comfortable walking on stone pavements and in scenic areas.
2. Items: Bring a children’s water bottle (there is drinking water in the scenic area), wet wipes, and snacks (to replenish energy when tired). If the kids are small, remember to bring a stroller (most paths in the scenic area are stroller-friendly).
3. Pace: No need to rush with kids. Choose 2-3 key activities each day, such as exploring the ancient city and watching the Blue Tears on the first day, and visiting the scenic area on the second day. Leave time for kids to explore freely to avoid exhaustion.

This Dujiangyan parent-child trip not only made the kids happy but also educational. Especially seeing the kids’ surprised expressions when watching the "Blue Tears" and their active questions during the scenic area visit made me feel this trip was very meaningful. Early November has fewer crowds and comfortable weather. Parents wanting a short trip with kids should definitely give it a try!