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Chengdu Tour of
Dujinagyan Irrigation Project of China
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In China, Chengdu is always praised as the Tian Fu Zhi Guo, which
means 'Nature's Storehouse'. Over 2,200 years ago, the city was
threatened by the frequent floods caused by flooding of the Minjiang
River (a tributary of the Yangtze River ). Li Bing, a local official
of Sichuan Province at that time, together with his son, decided to
construct an irrigation system on the Minjiang River to prevent
flooding. After a lengthy study and a lot of hard work by the local
people, the great Dujiangyan Irrigation Project was completed. Since
then, the Chengdu Plain has been free of flooding and the people
have been living peacefully and affluently. Now, the project is
honored as the 'Treasure of Sichuan', which still plays a crucial
role in draining off floodwater, irrigating farms and providing
water resources for more than 50 cities in the province.
Dujiangyan is the oldest and only surviving no-dam irrigation system
in the world; and a wonder in the development of Chinese science.
The project consists of three important parts, namely Yuzui,
Feishayan and Baopingkou scientifically designed to automatically
control the water flow of the rivers from the mountains to the
plains throughout the year.
Yuzui, like a big fish lying in the Minjiang River, is a watershed
dividing the river into two parts: inner river and outside river.
Feisha Yan is a spillway that diverts the sand and stones of the
inner river into the outer river. Baoping Kou, like a neck of a
bottle, is used to bring water into the inner river from Minjiang.
At the same time, Baoping Kou controls the amount of the intake
water due to its reasonable location. These three parts interact
with each other perfectly to form an effective water conservancy
project. During the low-water season, 60% of the Minjiang water is
brought into the inner river for irrigation while 40% of the water
is drawn into the outside river. The situation is reversed in the
flood season ensuring the water supply for irrigation and protection
from flooding on the Chengdu Plain.
There is a magnificent bridge called the Anlan Cable Bridge crossing
the Minjiang River above Yuzui, which is the most scenic place in
Dujiangyan. The construction of the bridge originally commenced
before the Song Dynasty (960-1279). At that time, the body of the
bridge was constructed with wooden blocks and the handrails were
made of bamboo. Recently the wood and bamboo were replaced with
steel and reinforced concrete to ensure the security of the
visitors. Seen from afar, the bridge looks like a rainbow hanging
over the river. From the bridge, you can clearly see the entire
layout of the Dujiangyan system.
There are also historical sites around Dujiangyan. Fulong Temple is
said to be the place where Li Bing subjugated the evil dragon during
the construction process of Dujiangyan. The stone statue of Li Bing
caved in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) is displayed in the front
courtyard of the temple; is the earliest round sculptured stone
statue in China. In the back courtyard of the temple, you can see
the working principles of Dujiangyan replicated in an electric model
of the irrigation system.
Erwang Temple is located on the mountain by the right side bank of
the Minjiang River. It was built to commemorate Li Bing and his son
by the ancient people. The temple retains the architectural style of
the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and the whole environment here is quite
serene and beautiful. Many Chinese characters depicting experiences
of water control are engraved on the stone walls of the temple. In
the Grand Hall, you can see the vivid statues of Li and his son, who
are worshiped by the local people every day. Incense has never
ceased to burn in the temple. For over twenty two hundred years, the
people have held memorial ceremonies for Li and his son. Today the
main activities are the Temple Fair held from June 24th to June 26th
in Chinese lunar calendar and the Releasing Water Festival on Tomb
Sweeping Day.
Tour Chengdu
with Great Wall Adventure Club, the best
Chengdu
tour agent to help
you with your hotel booking and transfers.
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