Dujiangyan Irrigation System

From ChinaTravelGuide

Southwest China (西南) » Sichuan (四川) » Chengdu (成都) » Dujiangyan Irrigation System (都江堰)

Dujiangyan Irrigation System (都江堰)
Address:	Chengdu, Sichuan
Phone:	028-87120836
Web site:	http://www.djyjq.com
Price Range:	90RMB ~ 90RMB
Level:	AAAAA
Tourist Rating:

	Tourist Reviews (0)
	Be the first to write a review for this attraction.
	>> write a review

[edit] Description

Known as the oldest and only surviving no-dam irrigation system in the world, Dujiangyan is a water diversion project completed over 2200 years ago. The irrigation system was built on the Minjiang River at the foot of Yulei Mountain, northwest of Dujiangyan City in Sichuan Province.

The project provides the vital passage that joins mountain and plain. The main system consists of three parts: Yuzui (a fish-mouth-like water-dividing dyke), Feishayan (two spillways for discharging flood waters and silt), and Baopingkou (a channel cut through Yulei Mountain as a water inlet). Combined, these three parts interact and depend on one another and provides many benefits of irrigation, flood control, and shipping for the local people.

The carefully designed and perfectly arranged water diversion hub control the water flow of the rivers from the mountains to the plains throughout the year.

The irrigation system is a scientific water work marvel and a wonder in ancient Chinese science. In 2000, Dujiangyan Irrigation System and the nearby Mount Qingcheng were selected as the World's Cultural Heritage.

[edit] History

Over 2,200 years ago, Chengdu was often threatened by flooding of the Minjiang River. Originally the Yulei Mountain blocked the river from flowing eastward, and Chengdu plain had no access to river irrigation. As a result, agricultural development in the region was seriously affected.

A local official, Li Bing, then governor of Shu Prefecture during the Warring States period (475-221 BC), and his son, made a careful survey of the region and ordered local people to cut a channel through Yulei Mountain. He then put a dyke in the middle of the Minjiang River to divide it into two parts. He also asked the local people to open channels and canals on the plain so as to divert the river for irrigation purposes. This great Dujiangyan Irrigation Project finally turned the Chengdu Plain free of flooding and a land of agricultural abundance. Today the project is honored as the 'Treasure of Sichuan', and still plays a crucial role in preventing flooding, irrigating farms and providing water for many cities in the province.