Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Dujiangyan Irrigation System is located in the west of Dujiangyan City in Sichuan Province. So far, it is the only in-use grand water irrigation project built in the earliest age in human history. The system is characterized by water diversion without dam. In ancient times, the area where the irrigation system is was under the jurisdictions of Du'an County. Therefore, it was named Du'an Irrigation System and later changed to Dujiangyan Irrigation System after the Song and Yuan Dynasties. The project is hailed as "a marvelous wonder of all time" and " treasure protecting Sichuan". The building of the large-scale irrigation system started in the 3rd century AD under the command of local official Li Bing and his son. Even today, the irrigation system still serves the purpose it was designed for and functions well.

This project is mainly composed of three parts: Yuzui Watershed Dike, Feishayan Spillway and Baopingkou Water Inlet, scientifically providing solutions to automatic water diversion, sand discharging and water inlet volume control etc, thus keeping floods at bay and making western Sichuan plain a "kingdom of heaven" where "human put floods under control". Gorgeous scenery abounds in the surrounding areas of Dujiangyan Irrrigation System and cultural relics can easily be found. The main attractions include: Dragon Subduing Temple, Erwang Temple, Alan Bridge, Yulei Pass, Lidui Park, Yulei Mountain Park and Lingyan Temple etc.

Thanks to its unique richness in history, culture and science, in 2000, Dujiangyan Irrigation System was included in the list of the UNESCO world heritage sites at the 24th session of the UNESCO General Conference.