Dujiangyan is the irrigation system associated with Li Bing and his son. We highlight that it remains a working, dam-free diversion project. Fish Mouth divides the river, Flying Sand Weir releases sediment and Bottle-Neck Channel controls inflow; the three make most sense together.
The engineering and its landmarks
- Fish Mouth
- The river-island levee divides the Min into an outer flood channel and inner irrigation channel, forming the system's starting point.
- Flying Sand Weir
- When the inner channel rises, this spillway returns excess water and sediment to the outer river, reducing siltation.
- Bottle-Neck Channel
- A channel cut through Yulei Mountain controls the flow into the Chengdu Plain, with visibly fast-moving water.
- Qinyan Tower and Anlan Bridge
- Qinyan Tower overlooks the system; Anlan suspension bridge crosses the river and may move in wind. Follow capacity and safety instructions.
- Erwang Temple
- A temple complex commemorating Li Bing and his son, with red walls, old trees and a mountain setting. We recommend its use in the 1986 Journey to the West series.
Tickets, hours and reservations
- Ticket prices
- For reference, CNY 80 for adults and CNY 40 for eligible students and visitors aged 60–64, with specified free-entry categories. Verify current eligibility and identification.
- Seasonal hours
- For reference, 08:00–18:00 from April–October and 08:00–17:30 from November–March. Check the official notice for your date.
- Timed real-name booking
- On-site ticket sales have ended, and timed real-name booking is required through the official WeChat account, using ID for entry. International visitors should confirm accepted documents and the booking process in advance.
Two routes and an easier direction
- Mostly downhill · 2.5–3 hours
- Take a car to Gate 6 at Qinyan Tower → Erwang Temple → Anlan Bridge → Fish Mouth → Flying Sand Weir → Bottle-Neck Channel → Fulong Temple → exit Gate 1 at Lidui Park. This route is mostly downhill and level.
- Full route · 3–4 hours
- Yangtianwo Square → Yangong Path → Fulong Temple → Bottle-Neck Channel → Flying Sand Weir → Fish Mouth → Anlan Bridge → Erwang Temple → Qinyan Tower → Songmao Ancient Road → Yulei Pass → Guanxian Ancient Town → Nanqiao. A longer option for energetic walkers.
Arrival: choose Lidui Park station
- Intercity rail
- Take metro Line 2 or 6 to Xipu and transfer to intercity rail for Lidui Park. For reference, about CNY 10 and 20–25 minutes, followed by a short walk to Gate 1 and Yangtianwo Square.
- Do not choose the wrong Dujiangyan station
- For the main scenic entrance, book Lidui Park station rather than Dujiangyan station, which is much farther from the scenic area.
- Driving
- We recommend parking at Gate 1/South Gate or Gate 6/Qinyan Tower. Holiday congestion makes public transport more dependable.
Night lights, the old town and the selfie panda
- Nanqiao blue lights
- Blue lighting at Nanqiao and Tianfuyuan Bridge generally begins around 18:00–19:00. This is outside the ticketed scenic area; confirm the actual lighting schedule.
- Guanxian Ancient Town
- Outside Gate 1, the old town is free to enter. Try laozao, zhazha noodles or cold noodles; menus may also use the variant spelling 缪糟 for 醪糟.
- Yangtianwo selfie panda
- A giant selfie-panda sculpture stands near the station and is free to photograph. It also attracted attention after Dilraba Dilmurat was photographed there.
Walking, supplies and unofficial approaches
- Shoes, sun and insects
- Stone paths and steps require grippy shoes. Bring water, sun protection, a hat and insect repellent in warm months, and rain gear in wetter seasons.
- Use official ticket channels
- Decline offers of cut-price unofficial guiding or ticket evasion. Use official ticket channels and consider buying water and snacks outside the gate or in the old town.