Dujiangyan Voyage Tips and guide

Dujiangyan is a part of Chengdu, Sichuan province (China) and is home to a variety of attractions. Its unique landscape supports agriculture and tourism, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

30°55′45″N 103°35′58″E

Map of Dujiangyan

In the Warring States period about 2,200 years ago, the engineer Li Bing and his son led the construction of the Dujiangyan irrigation system. This allowed the taming of the river and the irrigation of the surrounding lands. Before the completion of the irrigation system, the plains around the Min River were prone to flash flooding, due to the fast moving river flowing down from the mountains and meeting level ground. The irrigation system protected the area from flooding and drought, making the Chengdu plain one of the most fertile and wealthy regions in China. It may be no coincidence that a few decades later, the State of Qin (which ruled this area) succeeded in conquering the other Chinese states, and unifying China for the first time.

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System (都江堰) was constructed around 256 BC by Li Bing and his son, who served as administrators of Shu Commandery during the Qin Dynasty. Unlike conventional dams, the system uses natural topography to divert water from the Min River (岷江) into irrigation canals, allowing flood control and agricultural irrigation without blocking the river’s flow.

The project is considered the world’s oldest functioning water diversion system and remains in operation today, providing water to the Chengdu Plain, one of China’s most fertile regions. Dujiangyan’s design includes three key components — the Fish Mouth Levee (鱼嘴), Flying Sand Weir (飞沙堰), and Bottle-Neck Channel (宝瓶口) — which work together to distribute and regulate water flow.

The system not only improved agriculture but also transformed the Chengdu Basin into the “Land of Abundance” (天府之国). Li Bing and his son are honored as “Lords of the River” (川主), and every year on June 24th and 26th, locals hold a traditional “Lords of the River Festival” to commemorate their achievements. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, along with nearby Mount Qingcheng, for its historical, scientific, and cultural significance.

Dujiangyan City is about 60 km northwest of Chengdu. It lies on the upper reaches of the Min River, where the plains of Chengdu meet the foothills of the Qionglai Mountains. The area features a mix of mountains, hills, and flatlands, with an elevation ranging from about 600 to 4,500 m.

Dujiangyan City has a subtropical humid monsoon climate with distinct four seasons: hot and rainy summers and mild and humid winters. The average annual temperature is approximately 16°C, and annual precipitation is approximately 1,200 mm. Precipitation is concentrated in summer (June to August) and less in winter (December to February). Humidity is high, especially in summer, with precipitation concentrated from May to August.

A high-speed rail service connects Chengdu to Dujiangyan in about 35 minutes. However, the schedule is irregular and trains are often sold out, so it's highly recommended to buy your tickets a day in advance. Trains depart from one of two Chengdu stations: Chengdu North is the main train station (reached by subway line 1), and Xipu is a suburban station (reached by subway line 2). Trains reach one of two stations in Dujiangyan city: Dujiangyan or Liduigongyuan.

• 30.95935103.636371 Dujiangyan train station. On the outskirts of the city and requires a bus (line 4) or taxi ride to the tourist sites. (updated Apr 2016)
• 30.99635103.621192 Liduigongyuan/Lidui Park train station. A 3-minute walk from the old city. (updated Apr 2016)

Buses take 75 minutes from Chadianzi Bus Station in Chengdu (subway Line 2, Chadianzi Bus Terminal stop). These buses are extremely frequent and cheap, but there may be a long line to board. Buy a ticket before getting in line. English is neither written nor spoken in the bus terminals, and intercity buses do not have numbers. But people are helpful, so things should work out.

• 30.98579103.634043 Dujiangyan Passenger Transportation Center. The city's central bus station, a 15-minute walk from the old city. (updated Apr 2016)

Taxis and app-based rides (such as Didi Chuxing) operate between Chengdu and Dujiangyan. The trip takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, costing approximately ¥150–200 one way, depending on pickup location and traffic. This option offers the most flexibility if traveling with luggage or in a group.

There is an extensive local bus system that connects most parts of Dujiangyan, including the old city, , Mount Qingcheng, and the high-speed rail stations. Fares typically range from ¥1–2, and many routes operate from 06:30 to 22:00. Route maps are usually displayed at bus stops, though only a few have English information. There is an extensive local bus system (see map).

Taxis within the city are plentiful and inexpensive, with a starting fare of ¥4. Short trips within the downtown area usually cost less than ¥10. Didi Chuxing and other rideshare apps are also available and useful for reaching more remote spots such as Mount Qingcheng’s back entrance.

Bicycles and e-scooters can be rented through Meituan or Hello Bike apps. They are a convenient way to explore the riverside areas or travel between the old city and Lidui Park station.

Walking is pleasant in the old city area, where most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance.

• 31.00006103.619141 Dujiangyan old city (都江堰古城). While little in the old city is original, it has been beautifully reconstructed as a tourist site. The old city is absolutely worth strolling through for its architecture, and there are interesting descriptions of the place's history. But the stores are of no particular interest and you'll probably choose to avoid them. Be sure to see the east city gate (very impressive, but rebuilt only in 2010!) and the street inside it. (updated Apr 2016)
• 31.00013103.611412 Dujiangyan irrigation system (next to the old city). Built in 256 BC, this is the world's oldest irrigation system that is still in use. By diverting most of the annual flood away from the agricultural region, this system minimized the impact of both droughts and floods, making Sichuan the most productive agricultural place in China. The site includes beautiful hillside walking trails and historic temples. ¥90. (updated Apr 2016)
• 30.9068103.56793 Qingchengshan-Dujiangyan National Park (at the mouth of the Min River in the west of the Chengdu Plain, in the west of Dujiangyan City). Dujiangyan Scenic Area is a world-famous ancient Chinese water conservancy project, known for its Taoist temples. (updated Apr 2016)
• 30.9874103.65434 Dujiangyan Phoenix Stadium (都江堰体育场), No. 699 Caihong Avenue, ☏ +86 028-86623307. 09:00-21:30. A multi-purpose stadium that is used mostly for association football matches. The stadium holds 12,700 people. The venue broke ground in February 2008 with original name Dujiangyan Sports Centre Stadium. It opened in May 2010 with a new name "Phoenix", which was in memory of the city rebirth from 2008 Sichuan earthquake. (updated Oct 2025)

• 30.8622103.576711 Dujiangyan Panda Base (on the side of the road, about 4 km south of the Qingcheng Mountain train station), [email protected]. A panda zoo, which is (as of 2016) the only place in the world where you can get your picture taken while holding a giant panda. This is extremely expensive (¥1800 per person) but the money is supposed to go to conservation. Some people remember this experience for the rest of their lives, while others are surprised that it ends so quickly (~15 seconds per person). The pandas are generally 1-2 years old, so they have lost the cuteness of the baby pandas you'll see in some older pictures from other places in China. If you don't want to pay for this, for free you can walk into the panda zoo and see dozens of pandas at a normal zoo distance. They are normally let out of their dens at around 09:30 and proceed to eat breakfast. To arrive, take the 102 bus from just outside the Dujiangyan bus station (or from the Qingcheng Mountain train station, which the 102 passes along its route). This bus runs frequently during the day. Reserve your visit ahead of time by email. (updated Apr 2016)

Dujiangyan offers authentic Sichuan cuisine, famous for its bold, spicy, and numbing flavors, as well as unique local specialties. The city’s food is influenced by Chengdu culinary traditions, but several dishes and snacks are distinctive to the Dujiangyan area.

• Bean jelly (凉粉) – A refreshing snack made from mung bean starch, usually served cold with chili oil, garlic, and vinegar. Common at street food stalls and night markets.
• Tofu pudding (豆花) – Silky soft tofu served with spicy sauce or mild broth; popular as breakfast or light meal.
• Grilled fish (烤鱼) – Freshwater fish from the Min River, grilled with chili, garlic, and herbs. Often served whole and shared among diners.
• Rabbit dishes (兔头, 兔丁) – A signature Sichuan delicacy; spicy rabbit heads and diced rabbit meat are widely available in small local restaurants.
• Hotpot (火锅) – Dujiangyan has numerous hotpot restaurants offering both classic spicy broths and milder herbal options. A social meal often enjoyed with friends or family.
• Street snacks – Including spicy skewers, dumplings, rice cakes, and sesame pancakes, widely found around Dujiangyan Old Town and Nanqiao (South Bridge).

• 30.9995103.61371 南桥夜市Nanqiao Night Market, South Bridge (near the South Bridge Scenic Area), ☏ 028-87283890NOCC. 17:00 to 23:00. Lively evening market near the South Bridge with dozens of stalls serving bean jelly, dumplings, skewers, and other snacks. (updated Oct 2025)
• 30.9921103.63052 岳记兴隆·青城腊排铜火锅Yueji Xinglong · Qingcheng Cured Rib Copper Hot Pot., Shop 16, 1st Floor, Minjiang Huating, No. 483-16 GuanJing Road, ☏ 61429749NOCC. 10:00-21:00 throughout the year. Yueji Xinglong · Qingcheng Cured Rib Copper Hot Pot is a characteristic hot - pot restaurant in Dujiangyan. Its biggest feature is the combination of Qingcheng Mountain cured ribs and Tibetan - style copper pot. The cured ribs in the pot are well - stewed, and the meat can be easily removed from the bone with a gentle bite. The cured pig's trotters are soft, glutinous and full of collagen. In addition to cured ribs and pig's trotters, the pot also contains ginkgo nuts, fried pork skin, cured chicken and other ingredients, with a rich taste. The restaurant also offers a variety of fresh wild vegetables, which can be blanched in the pot for a few seconds. The fresh and crispy taste can instantly relieve the greasiness of the cured meat, and it is a perfect match with the cured meat. There are also some local special dishes, such as stir - fried bacon with garlic sprouts, soybean milk buns, Qingcheng spicy tofu, etc., which are all worth trying. The restaurant has a good environment and thoughtful service, with a per - capita consumption of about 85 yuan, which is very cost - effective. The average cost per person is about 85 ¥.There are group-buying packages, such as a 2-person package priced at 38 ¥ (originally 261¥), which includes cured pig's trotters, farm-cured chicken, cured ribs, fried pork skin, ginkgo nuts, corn and other ingredients, as well as wild vegetables, seasonal vegetables, 3 portions of dipping sauce, steamed rice and appetizers. (updated Oct 2025)
• 30.998103.6273 Dujiangyan Irrigation Project Youhutou Beer Hotel (都江堰老号尤兔头总店（幸福大道店）), No.12, Fuzhou 14, Shangduan of Xingfu Avenue (opposite China Telecom), ☏ 028 - 61726666NOCC. Dujiangyan Lao Hao You Rabbit Head (Xingfu Avenue Store) is famed for its rabbit heads, the signature dish. They come in spicy and five-spice flavors—spicy ones are fragrant and numbing, five-spice ones rich with sesame. It also serves tender rabbit legs and refreshing frozen tofu pudding, all with authentic Sichuan tastes, loved by locals and visitors. 66¥. (updated Oct 2025)

• 30.9997103.60971 Grain Stack (谷垛), No.31 - 33 Shenjia Lane, toll-free: +86 18982018973. 10:00-20:00. Grain Stack, a beloved spot in Dujiangyan, shines with its unique drinks that blend flavor and texture. In its Coconut Latte, creamy coconut milk merges with aromatic brewed coffee, offering a sweet yet not cloying taste, ideal for pairing with the shop’s pastries. The Americano stands out too, with a smooth, well-balanced profile, boasting subtle nutty undertones that cut through the richness of desserts perfectly. For tea lovers, the Freshly Brewed Oolong Tea is a great pick; light, fragrant, and with a clean aftertaste, it refreshes instantly. If you prefer something fruity, the Peach Iced Tea (seasonal) is delightful—fresh peach notes infuse the crisp tea, making it a top choice for hot days. Each drink complements the shop’s cozy garden vibe, enhancing your experience. Average consumption ¥23. (updated Oct 2025)

30.988389103.6468061 Crowne Plaza Dujiangyan, an IHG Hotel (都江堰皇冠假日酒店), No. 388, Dujiangyan Avenue, ☏ +862887266666, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. The hotel is 65 km away from Shuangliu International Airport, and nearby scenic spots such as Dujiangyan Scenic Area, Qingcheng Mountain, and Guanxian Ancient City. Close to the hotel, Rongchang Expressway, train station or taxis on time are convenient to go to other parts of the city. (updated Oct 2025)