Encounter the fairyland of mountains and waters intertwined
Dujiangyan is a World Cultural Heritage site and a World Natural Heritage site (an important part of the Sichuan Giant Panda Habitat). It is also an ancient great hydraulic engineering project in China that is still in use today. Located in Dujiangyan City (a county-level city) near Chengdu, it is about a one-hour drive from downtown Chengdu and a popular destination for one-day or two-day trips around Chengdu. Below is a detailed travel guide covering transportation, attractions, food, accommodation, and travel tips to help you efficiently check in!
1. Core Attraction: Dujiangyan Irrigation System
The core of Dujiangyan is a dam-free water diversion project led by Li Bing and his son, the governors of Shu Commandery during the Qin Dynasty. It consists of three main parts: the Fish Mouth Water Division, the Feisha Spillway, and the Baopingkou Water Intake. It scientifically solves problems such as automatic water diversion, automatic sediment discharge, and controlling water intake flow, and it still irrigates the Chengdu Plain today.
Key points for visiting: It is recommended to hire a guide (manual guide about 50 RMB per group, or rent an electronic guide for 20 RMB), otherwise it’s easy to “watch the excitement but miss the essence.” Recommended route:
1. Entrance of Lidu Park → 2. Fulong Temple (learn about the statue of Li Bing and hydraulic history) → 3. Baopingkou (see the Neijiang water intake and experience the “4:6 water division” principle) → 4. Feisha Spillway (observe the ingenious design of flood discharge and sediment removal) → 5. Fish Mouth Water Division (overlook the “human character” dam water division spectacle of Min River) → 6. Anlan Suspension Bridge (a shaky ancient bridge, great for photos, be careful) → 7. Erwang Temple (Taoist temple worshipping Li Bing and his son, with panoramic views) → 8. Qin Yan Tower (climb up to overlook the entire irrigation system with excellent views).
2. Nearby Linked Attractions
1. Mount Qingcheng (World Cultural Heritage, famous Taoist mountain)
Dujiangyan is about 15 km from Mount Qingcheng, making a one-day combined trip possible. Mount Qingcheng is divided into Front Mountain (Taoist culture) and Back Mountain (natural scenery). If time is tight, Front Mountain is recommended:
- Front Mountain: Ticket 80 RMB, mainly Taoist temples (Jianfu Palace, Tianshi Cave, Shangqing Palace), about 2 hours hiking, suitable for culture lovers.
- Back Mountain: Ticket 20 RMB, mainly serene landscapes (Wulong Valley, Youyi Village, Baiyun Ancient Village), suitable for hiking enthusiasts, more pristine scenery.
2. Guanxian Ancient Town (free)
Located south of the Dujiangyan scenic area, it is a replica ancient architectural complex serving as a visitor center. Here you can find Nan Bridge (“Water Painting Tower,” beautifully lit at night), West Street (old Chengdu stone slab road with many snacks), and Chenghuang Temple, perfect for strolling, eating, and taking photos.
3. Panda Valley (Giant Panda Wild Training Base)
About a 30-minute drive from the city, you can observe giant panda wild training up close (ticket 58 RMB, advance reservation required). Suitable for families with children, more natural than the Chengdu Panda Base.
3. Transportation Guide
1. Chengdu → Dujiangyan
- High-speed rail: Chengdu Xipu Station/Chengdu Station → Lidu Park Station (about 30 minutes, ticket 10 RMB). Xipu Station can be reached directly by Metro Line 2, most convenient.
- Bus: Chadianzi Bus Station → Dujiangyan Bus Center (about 1.5 hours, ticket 20-30 RMB).
- Self-driving: Chengdu city → Chengdu-Guanxian Expressway → Dujiangyan (about 1 hour, toll about 30 RMB).
2. Local transportation
- Taxi between attractions about 20-30 RMB (Dujiangyan Scenic Area → Qingcheng Front Mountain about 40 RMB);
- Bus: Routes 1/2/6 cover main attractions (2 RMB per ride);
- Shared bikes: Available in the city, suitable for short distances.
4. Food Recommendations
Dujiangyan cuisine blends Sichuan flavors with local specialties. Recommended must-tries:
- You Rabbit Head (Jianshe Road branch): Spicy/marinated rabbit head, paired with iced jelly to relieve spiciness;
- Zhong Duck (Waibei Street branch): Camphor tea duck, sweet skin duck, tender meat;
- Zhang Fermented Rice (Xingfu Road): Fermented rice powder, rice wine dumplings, perfect for breakfast or late-night snack;
- You Beef (Jianshe Road): Beef soup pot, cold beef salad, generous portions;
- Dongzikou Zhang Laoer Liangfen (Guanjing Road branch): Sweet water noodles, cold jelly noodles, authentic Sichuan taste;
- You Rabbit Head & Qiaojiao Beef (Scenic Area branch): Convenient for tourists, takeout available.
5. Accommodation Suggestions
- City area (near Guanxian Ancient Town): Cost-effective, convenient transportation, suitable for budget travelers (such as 7 Days Inn, Hanting Hotels, or boutique guesthouses).
- Near scenic areas (Qingcheng Mountain/Dujiangyan Scenic Area): Quiet environment, suitable for vacation (such as Qingcheng Six Senses, Dujiangyan Qingxia Mountain Residence, high-end; or farm stays in Qingcheng Back Mountain, suitable for hikers).
- At the foot of Qingcheng Front Mountain: Balances sightseeing and accommodation, recommended courtyard guesthouses (such as inns in Qingchengshan Taian Ancient Town).
6. Travel Routes (One-day/Two-day)
One-day tour (compact version)
Morning: Take high-speed rail from Chengdu Xipu Station → Lidu Park Station → Dujiangyan Scenic Area (3-4 hours, including guide) → Lunch at Guanxian Ancient Town → Afternoon at Qingcheng Front Mountain (2-3 hours) → Return to Chengdu in the evening.
Two-day tour (leisure version)
Day 1: Chengdu → Dujiangyan Scenic Area (all day, including Guanxian Ancient Town for strolling and eating) → Stay in the city;
Day 2: Mount Qingcheng (Front/Back Mountain, all day) → Return after lunch, or visit Panda Valley en route (morning at Panda Valley → afternoon at Mount Qingcheng).
7. Notes
- Best seasons: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November), pleasant climate; summer is hot but good for water activities; winter has fewer tourists but some mountain areas are cold.
- Tickets: Dujiangyan Scenic Area 80 RMB (optional sightseeing bus 15 RMB); Qingcheng Front Mountain 80 RMB, Back Mountain 20 RMB; Panda Valley 58 RMB.
- Clothing: Many steps and mountain paths in scenic areas, wear comfortable sports shoes; bring sun hats and mosquito repellent in summer; bring an umbrella during rainy season (summer has frequent showers).
- Guide: It is recommended to listen to guides (manual or electronic) for the irrigation system to avoid missing details; Taoist priests may provide free explanations at Qingcheng temples.
- Avoid pitfalls: Be cautious of “low-price one-day tours” outside the scenic area, which may force shopping; snack prices inside the scenic area are slightly higher, bring your own water and snacks.
Dujiangyan is not only a pilgrimage to a hydraulic engineering marvel but also a dialogue with ancient wisdom. Combined with the mountains and waters of Mount Qingcheng or the cuteness of Panda Valley, your trip will be richer. Check the weather before departure, and have a pleasant journey!