How do I get to Dujiangyan from Chengdu, and how long does it take?

Take a high-speed train from Chengdu West station to Dujiangyan station; the ride is about 30 minutes and tickets are roughly 15 RMB. Bring your passport, as it is required to buy and board the train and to book the site entry. From Dujiangyan station, a short taxi or local bus reaches the irrigation park entrance.

Can I visit Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng on the same day?

Yes, this is the standard day-trip pairing. They sit about 15 minutes apart by taxi. Most visitors do the irrigation system in the morning, when light is best for the Fish Mouth and Anlan Cable Bridge, then move to the front of Mount Qingcheng. Allow a full day and start early to fit both comfortably.

What is actually worth seeing at a 2,300-year-old irrigation system?

The Fish Mouth diversion levee, where the Min River splits without any dam, is the engineering centerpiece and still works today. The 308-metre Anlan Cable Bridge swings over the channel for the iconic photo, and Erwang Temple on the hillside honors the builder Li Bing. Entry is 80 RMB and the site easily fills half a day.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Chengdu: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

2300-year-old still-functioning irrigation system — UNESCO World Heritage and the engineering miracle that made the Sichuan Basin habitable.

At a glance

What it is: Outdoors
Also known as: 都江堰 (Dūjiāng Yàn)
Opening hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
Time needed: Half day (4-5 hours)
Best time to visit: Spring or autumn for water + foliage; morning
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: English tours available
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Passport booking required
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: Park Road, Dujiangyan City, Sichuan · 都江堰市公园路

See Dujiangyan Irrigation Systemtickets & tours

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Built 256 BCE by Qin governor Li Bing, Dujiangyan diverts the Min River without using a single dam — a 'no-dam dam' that has irrigated the entire Chengdu Plain (the breadbasket that made Sichuan habitable for 30M people) for 2300 continuous years. UNESCO inscribed 2000. The three components — Fish Mouth diversion levee, Flying Sand weir, Bottle Neck channel — are still the ones built by Li Bing's workers. Entry 80 RMB. Allow half day. The 308m Anlan Cable Bridge (1803, swinging suspension bridge over the diversion) is the iconic photo. 50 km from Chengdu — 30 min by high-speed train (¥15) from Chengdu West to Dujiangyan station. Combine with Qingcheng Mountain (15 min taxi) for a full day.

Highlights

Fish Mouth (鱼嘴) DiversionWhere the Min River splits — the engineering miracle
Anlan Cable Bridge1803 swinging bridge; iconic photo, 308m
Erwang TempleTemple honoring Li Bing and his son; mountainside

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Spring and autumn show the most water and the best foliage; in low-water months the Fish Mouth looks far less dramatic.
▸Walk the Anlan Cable Bridge early; by midday it gets crowded and the gentle swaying with many people on it unnerves some.
▸Climb to Erwang Temple for the overhead view of the whole diversion; most day-trippers skip it and miss the best angle.
▸Bring your passport; it is required to enter, and cards work here, but small cash helps for shuttle carts and snacks.
▸Use the internal shuttle cart between the entrance and far points to save your legs for Qingcheng later the same day.
▸Morning light favors the Fish Mouth and bridge photos; afternoon haze in the basin tends to flatten the river views.
▸Free wifi exists but is patchy in the park; download an offline map before you arrive so you can follow the river route.

Photos

A giant panda leisurely sits by a stream in Chengdu, showcasing its natural environment.

Beautiful view of Anshun Bridge illuminated at night, Chengdu, China.

A serene pathway surrounded by lush greenery and sago palms in Chengdu, China.

Red umbrella on bamboo fence of footbridge above river with water wheels against misty mountains under cloudy sky

Scenic view of an ancient Chinese bridge with dragon carvings and architectural details over a river in bright daylight.

Stunning aerial view of the Yuanyang rice terraces showcasing intricate patterns and natural beauty.

Cozy tea house in Chengdu, Sichuan with playful dogs and locals enjoying the ambiance.

A giant panda resting on a wooden structure in Chengdu's lush green sanctuary. Perfect depiction of wildlife tranquility.

A serene pathway lined with lush green plants and a person walking with a pink umbrella in Chengdu, China.

Tranquil scene of a lush garden pavilion surrounded by greenery in Chengdu, China.

Charming image of a giant panda sitting outdoors in Chengdu, China, enjoying fresh bamboo.

Explore serenity through a traditional Chinese garden archway at Du Fu Thatched Cottage in Chengdu.

Peaceful river scene with lush forest and traditional water wheel for irrigation.

Concrete architecture blending with lush greenery in Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

What travelers say (5 reviews)

EngineerTraveler·TripAdvisor·5/5

2300-year-old irrigation system, no dams. Built by Li Bing 256 BCE and STILL IRRIGATES the Chengdu Plain. UNESCO inscribed. Fish Mouth diversion is the photo.

2026-04-15

工程奇迹·Xiaohongshu·5/5

都江堰2300年还在用！鱼嘴+飞沙堰+宝瓶口三大件全在原址。安澜索桥是必打卡。¥80门票。

2026-03-20

Robert N.·Google Maps·5/5

From Chengdu West high-speed rail 30 min. Allow half day. Combine with Qingcheng Mountain (15 min taxi). Best UNESCO double in Sichuan.

2026-04-22

AncientChina·YouTube·5/5

The 'no-dam dam' that made the Sichuan Basin habitable. Engineering marvel still functioning after 2300 years.

2026-02-25

Liu J.·Ctrip·5/5

成都西站高铁30分钟，¥15。建议早上去，搭配青城山下午半日游。¥80门票。

2026-04-05

Watch creators visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Each clip is timestamped to the moment the creator arrives at this stop.

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Frequently asked questions about Dujiangyan Irrigation System

How do I get to Dujiangyan from Chengdu, and how long does it take?: Take a high-speed train from Chengdu West station to Dujiangyan station; the ride is about 30 minutes and tickets are roughly 15 RMB. Bring your passport, as it is required to buy and board the train and to book the site entry. From Dujiangyan station, a short taxi or local bus reaches the irrigation park entrance.
Can I visit Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng on the same day?: Yes, this is the standard day-trip pairing. They sit about 15 minutes apart by taxi. Most visitors do the irrigation system in the morning, when light is best for the Fish Mouth and Anlan Cable Bridge, then move to the front of Mount Qingcheng. Allow a full day and start early to fit both comfortably.
What is actually worth seeing at a 2,300-year-old irrigation system?: The Fish Mouth diversion levee, where the Min River splits without any dam, is the engineering centerpiece and still works today. The 308-metre Anlan Cable Bridge swings over the channel for the iconic photo, and Erwang Temple on the hillside honors the builder Li Bing. Entry is 80 RMB and the site easily fills half a day.