Dujiangyan Scenic Area, Ancient irrigation system in Dujiangyan City, China
Dujiangyan Scenic Area is an ancient irrigation network near Dujiangyan that uses carefully designed structures to channel water from the Min River into agricultural fields. The system includes three main components: a wedge-shaped dam that divides the water, an overflow channel that carries excess flow, and a narrowed passage that controls how much water moves downstream.
A local official named Li Bing designed this system roughly 2,300 years ago to fight the regular flooding of the Min River. His approach was revolutionary because he directed water flow instead of building barriers that would block the river.
The site carries deep meaning for local people as a symbol of human ingenuity and respect for nature's forces. Visitors often pause at temples dedicated to the engineer who created this system, reflecting on how communities have coexisted with water for millennia.
The grounds are relatively open and easy to walk through, with marked paths connecting the main structures. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring water, especially on warmer days, since walking is exposed to sun.
The system is notably robust: it has never been completely rebuilt since its creation, only maintained and adjusted over time. This strategy of continuous care reveals how well the original design was thought out and explains why it still works today.
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