Dujiangyan

The Ancient & Imposing Architecture of Chengdu

Located at the west section of Dujiangyan City in Sichuan, near Chengdu, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System so far is the only water project which does not feature dam irrigation in the world. It plays roles in flood control, irrigating and shipping.

With a history going back 2,260 years, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System was constructed during the Qin Dynasty by Li Bing. During the Warring States period, the people living along the banks of the Min River suffered annual flooding, so Li Bing was assigned to build Dujiangyan.

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is made up of three main constructions which work harmonically with one another to resist flooding. These three main constructions include Yu Zui, Feishayan and Baopingkou.

Yuzui or “Fish Mouth” divides the Min River into an inner river and outer river. The outer river in the west named Jinna River takes part in draining away the flood waters, flushing out of much of the silt and sediment. The inner river in the east mainly irrigates farmland. Feishayan or Flying Sand Weir connects the inner and outer rivers. It allows the natural swirling flow of water to drain out excess water from the inner to the outer river. Baopingkou, “Bottle-Neck Channel,” gouged through the mountain, is the final part of Dujiangyan. Baopingkou distributes the water to the farmlands in the west.