Dujiangyan, Sichuan Travel Guide

Millennium Water Conservancy Wonder, Integration of Nature and Culture, Panda Exploration 📅 Basic Information - Opening Hours: - Peak Season (Mar 1–Nov 14): 08:00–18:00 - Off-Season (Nov 15–Feb 28): 08:00–17:30 - Ticket Prices: - Dujiangyan Scenic Area: CNY 80 for adults; half price (CNY 40) for students/children - Qingcheng Mountain (Front Mountain): CNY 80 (CNY 160 for a joint ticket with Dujiangyan, valid for 2 days) - Panda Paradise: CNY 180 for adults; CNY 90 for children (discounts available at certain times for CNY 55) 🚌 Transportation Guide 1. High-speed Rail: - Chengdu Xipu Station → Lidui Park Station (30 mins, CNY 10). Walk 10 mins from the station to the scenic area entrance. 2. Direct Scenic Area Bus: - Departs from Chunxi Road/Kuanzhai Alley. Package includes bus fare + entrance ticket for approx. CNY 150. 3. Self-Driving: - Chengdu → Chengguan Expressway → Dujiangyan Scenic Area (approx. 1.5 hrs). Parking fee: CNY 10/day. 📸 Core Attractions and Things to Do 1. Dujiangyan Irrigation System - Fish Mouth (Yuzui): The water-dividing dike divides the Min River into the inner river (for irrigation) and the outer river (for flood discharge). The water diversion ratio is automatically adjusted during the dry and flood seasons. - Flying Sand Weir (Feishayan): Uses the principle of bend circulation to discharge sediment, which can further filter 15% of the sediment. Gravel beaches can be seen during the dry season in summer. - Bottle-Neck Channel (Baopingkou): A man-made water diversion inlet. In ancient times, the "fire burning and water pouring" method was used to break rocks, which took 8 years to complete. - Anlan Suspension Bridge: A couple's bridge across the Min River. The shaking of the bridge is exciting, and you can overlook the rapids. 2. Cultural and Historical Sites - Erwang Temple: A Taoist temple commemorating Li Bing and his son. The hall is engraved with the water management motto "Dig the bottom deep, keep the weir low." - Fulong Temple: Displays the stone statue of Li Bing and water management cultural relics. Legend has it that this is the place where the evil dragon was subdued. - Yulei Mountain: Overlook the panoramic view of Dujiangyan. It is recommended to take the escalator to Yulei Pavilion, which saves effort and has an excellent view. 3. Surrounding Associated Attractions - Qingcheng Mountain: The birthplace of Taoism. The Front Mountain is mainly Taoist temples (Jianfu Palace, Shangqing Palace), and the Back Mountain has original natural scenery. - Guanxian Ancient City: Nanqiao night scene light show, Yangliuhe Street old teahouse, experience the everyday life of western Sichuan. - Panda Paradise: Fewer people and beautiful scenery. You can observe giant pandas up close. The internet-famous pandas "Taishan" and "Panpan" are recommended. 🍜 Food Recommendations 1. Must-Try Snacks: - Zhong Duck: Sweet skin duck, assorted marinated dishes (can be vacuum packed). - You Rabbit Head: Spicy/Savoury rabbit head, a local favorite. - Cong Cong Juan: Thin pancake wrapped in shredded radish, dipped in chili oil, a classic from Zhao Maimian's stall. 2. Featured Dishes: - Four Wonders of Qingcheng: Ginkgo stewed chicken, tofu pudding, Mapo tofu, and sliced beef and ox tongue in chili sauce. - Douban Fish: The signature dish of Xijie Wangshi Restaurant, served with brown sugar glutinous rice cakes. 🗺 Itinerary One-Day Essential Route - Morning: Lidui Park Entrance → Fulong Temple → Bottle-Neck Channel → Flying Sand Weir → Fish Mouth → Anlan Suspension Bridge (approx. 3 hrs). - Noon: Lunch in Guanxian Ancient City (recommended: Zhong Duck or You Rabbit Head). - Afternoon: Erwang Temple → Yulei Mountain → Yulei Pavilion (overlook the panoramic view) → Nanqiao Night View (blue tears light show in the evening). Two-Day In-Depth Tour - Day 1: Dujiangyan Irrigation System + Guanxian Ancient City Night View. - Day 2: Qingcheng Mountain (Front Mountain Taoist Temple hike) or Panda Paradise (family tour). ⚠ Precautions 1. Staggered Visits: - Avoid the peak hours of 10:00–15:00 on weekends. It is recommended to enter the park before 8:00 am. 2. Equipment Recommendations: - Non-slip shoes (the stone steps of Yulei Mountain are slippery), sun hat, mosquito repellent (many mosquitoes in the vegetation area). 3. Guided Tour Service: - Rent an electronic guide for CNY 20/unit, or join a guided tour for CNY 50/group. 🌿 Surrounding Extended Experiences - Tea Creek Valley: Tea picking, tea tasting, real CS, suitable for family and team building. - Liujie Wetland Park: Enjoy the flowers in the cherry blossom season (Mar–Apr) and experience pastoral life. - Qingcheng Taoist Tea Sightseeing Garden: Hike through the tea mountains and make handmade tea. Dujiangyan is not only the pinnacle of ancient water conservancy projects, but also a millennial picture scroll intertwined with nature and culture. Whether you want to explore the wisdom of the ancient weir or find the delicious food of western Sichuan, this place can satisfy your dual yearning for history and nature! 🌊🐼