I've discovered a hidden gem near Chengdu! The ultimate one-day guide to Dujiangyan

Super practical Dujiangyan travel guide, bookmark this✅ Still unsure how to explore Dujiangyan? Follow this detailed guide to enjoy Dujiangyan without any pitfalls or getting lost! Transportation Guide - High-speed rail: Depart from Xipu Station directly to Lidui Park Station, only 30 minutes with fares starting at ¥10. The scenic area is right outside the station - super convenient! - Self-drive: Take the Chengdu-Guanxian Expressway, about 1 hour. Parking costs ¥10-20 per day. - Bus: From Chadianzi Station to Dujiangyan Bus Center, 1.5 hours, ¥20-30. Scenic area shuttle: ¥10 one-way (from Stele Pavilion to Fish Mouth). Full walking route takes about 3 hours - take the shuttle to save energy or walk to enjoy the scenery slowly. Ticket Info & Opening Hours - Tickets: Peak season (Apr-Oct) ¥80, off-season (Nov-Mar) ¥60; - Discounts: Half-price for students/seniors, free for seniors over 60 and children under 6; - Hours: 8:00-18:00 (extended to 18:30 in summer); - Guide: Audio guide ¥20, human guide ¥100-200/group. Recommended to get explanation to fully appreciate the engineering marvels. Must-Visit Attractions - Irrigation System: Fish Mouth Diversion, Flying Sand Weir, and Bottle-Neck Channel - these three projects form Dujiangyan's ancient water system that has protected Chengdu Plain for millennia. Don't miss the swaying Anlan Suspension Bridge over Min River - perfect for photos! - Cultural Sites: Erwang Temple honors Li Bing and his son; Fulong Temple offers best views of Bottle-Neck Channel; Yulei Pavilion (separate ticket) for panoramic views. - Nearby: Mount Qingcheng (¥80) - birthplace of Taoism; Panda Valley (¥55) to see adorable pandas; free ancient Guanxian Town; Nanqiao Bridge's magical "blue tears" night view. Classic Itineraries - One-day: Morning exploring the irrigation system, afternoon in ancient town, evening at Nanqiao Bridge. - Two-day: Day 1 - Dujiangyan + ancient town; Day 2 - Mount Qingcheng or pandas, plus Hongkou rafting in summer. Food Guide - Snacks: Zhang Laozao's sweet glutinous rice balls at Taiping Street; Jiang'an Road's spicy rabbit heads; nostalgic Cultural Revolution spring rolls. - Meals: Lao Hao Luo's cold fish pot; Junshou Mansion's authentic Min River fish. - Nightlife: Nanqiao night market skewers with beer; Heming Teahouse at Mount Qingcheng for traditional tea. Accommodation - Luxury: Six Senses Qingcheng Mountain; Yulei Shanju. - Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express Dujiangyan; Xianzai Houshe ancient town homestay. - Budget: Dengba International Hostel (near Nanqiao) - book early in peak season. Travel Tips - Best seasons: Mar-May for flowers; Sep-Nov for cool weather. - Wear: Comfortable shoes, sun protection in summer, warm clothes in winter. - Bring: Water/snacks as scenic area prices are high. - Tickets: Combo ticket for Dujiangyan+Qingcheng ¥150 saves money. - Etiquette: Stay quiet at religious sites, don't touch relics - travel responsibly.