Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System in China

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2000
Size of heritage:

Coordinates:
Longitude: 103,605°
Latitude: 31,002°

Summary

Construction of the Dujiangyan irrigation system began in the 3rd century B.C. This system still controls the waters of the Minjiang River and distributes it to the fertile farmland of the Chengdu plains. Mount Qingcheng was the birthplace of Taoism, which is celebrated in a series of ancient temples.

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Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, located in Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province, China, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This site is a testament to the ingenuity and wisdom of ancient Chinese engineers and their ability to harness the power of nature for the benefit of society.

History

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, dating back over 2,200 years, was designed and constructed during the Qin Dynasty (256-251 BC) by Li Bing, a renowned hydraulic engineer, and his son. The system was built to address the recurring problem of flooding caused by the Minjiang River, which devastated the Chengdu Plain. The ingenious design of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System effectively controlled the river's flow, preventing floods while ensuring a stable water supply for irrigation.

Mount Qingcheng, on the other hand, has a history that stretches back over 2,000 years and is considered one of the birthplaces of Taoism. It is believed that Zhang Ling, a legendary Taoist master, established the first Taoist temple on the mountain during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD). Over the centuries, Mount Qingcheng became a center for Taoist practice and pilgrimage, attracting scholars, monks, and emperors seeking spiritual enlightenment.

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. It consists of three main components: the Yuzui, the Feishayan, and the Baopingkou. The Yuzui, or Fish Mouth Levee, is a solid dam that divides the Minjiang River into two channels, effectively controlling the water flow. The Feishayan, or Flying Sand Weir, is a sedimentation basin that filters out sand and silt, ensuring clean water for irrigation. The Baopingkou, or Bottle-Neck Channel, is a diversion channel that directs water into the Chengdu Plain.

Even after more than two millennia, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System remains fully functional and continues to provide water for irrigation to the surrounding farmlands. Its sustainable design has not only prevented flooding but also contributed to the agricultural prosperity of the region, making it a vital lifeline for the local communities.

Mount Qingcheng

Mount Qingcheng, with its lush greenery, serene temples, and winding paths, offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling modern world. The mountain is divided into two parts: the Front Mountain and the Back Mountain. The Front Mountain is known for its historical sites and Taoist temples, while the Back Mountain is renowned for its natural beauty and hiking trails.

Address
Distance: 1,1 mi
No. 202 Jianshe Road
611830 Dujiangyan
China

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 00:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Sichuan - China Travel Channel

Published: April 20, 2013
Length: 34:31 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: myVideoMedia GmbH

Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Sichuan, China http://www.myvideomedia.com English see below [dt.] Das Dujiangyan-Bewässerungssystem wurde vor 2300 Jahren auf Anordnung des ...