Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Sichuan Sheng
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, located on the Min River in Sichuan, China, is an ancient hydraulic engineering masterpiece originally constructed around 256 BC by the State of Qin. Designed by the hydrologist Li Bing, it was created to control flooding and irrigate the Chengdu Plain without the use of dams, instead channeling and dividing the river flow through innovative levees and channels. This system has effectively prevented floods and irrigated over 5,300 square kilometers of farmland for more than two millennia, contributing to the agricultural prosperity of the region. Its construction involved ingenious techniques such as using fire and water to crack mountain rock for channel cutting, a process that took eight years. Despite damage from earthquakes and historical turmoil, the system has been restored and remains operational today. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, Dujiangyan symbolizes ancient Chinese ingenuity and continues to support irrigation, flood control, and water management in Sichuan. Its integration with the natural landscape and sustainable design make it unique among hydraulic projects worldwide.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Dujiangyan is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the scenery is vibrant. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid long waits. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. Exploring early in the morning can provide a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven terrain and extensive pathways. Guided tours can enhance understanding of the engineering and historical significance of the site.
Faits intéressants
- •Dujiangyan is one of the three great hydraulic engineering projects of the Qin dynasty, alongside the Zhengguo Canal and Lingqu Canal.
- •The system has been in continuous use for over 2,250 years, irrigating approximately 668,700 hectares of farmland.
- •Its construction employed a unique method of cracking rocks by alternating heating with fire and cooling with water, allowing faster excavation without modern tools.
- •The levee structure is shaped like a fish's mouth, which effectively divides the river flow for irrigation and flood control.
- •The system contributed to Sichuan's nickname as the 'Land of Abundance' due to its agricultural productivity.
Histoire
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System was commissioned by King Zhao of Qin around 256 BC and engineered by Li Bing to solve the problem of annual flooding caused by the Min River's silt accumulation.
Instead of building a dam, the system uses a levee known as the Fish Mouth Levee and channels cut through Mount Yulei to control water flow.
The innovative construction techniques included heating and cooling rocks to crack them for excavation.
The system flourished for centuries, making Sichuan a highly productive agricultural region.
It suffered damage during the Ming-Qing transition and was destroyed by the 1933 Diexi earthquake but was rebuilt thereafter.
In 2000, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its historical and engineering significance.
Guide du lieu
Fish Mouth Levee256 BC
A long, sausage-shaped levee constructed from bamboo baskets filled with stones, designed to split the Min River's flow into inner and outer streams for flood control and irrigation.
Feeding River Channel256 BC
A channel cut through Mount Yulei to divert excess water onto the Chengdu Plain, preventing floods and distributing water for irrigation.
Irrigation Headworks256 BC
The integrated system of levees and channels that manage water flow to irrigate fields and prevent flooding, still operational today.
Contact
Téléphone: 400 115 1222