Guide to Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Mount Qingcheng (青城山)

Overview

Mount Qingcheng (Qingcheng Shan) is a famous Taoist mountain located in Dujiangyan, Sichuan province, China. With its rich history and natural beauty, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. The mountain spans an area of approximately 170 square kilometers and boasts over 4000 years of history.

History

Mount Qingcheng has long been associated with Taoism. It is said that the founder of Taoism, Zhang Daoling, established himself as the first Celestial Master on the mountain in the second century AD. Since then, Mount Qingcheng has been an important center for Taoist study and practice.

Architecture

The mountain is home to numerous temples, halls, pavilions, and towers. The most famous among them are the Du Fu Thatched Cottage (苔稀庐), where the poet Du Fu lived during the Tang Dynasty, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔), which houses Buddhist scriptures brought from India by Xuanzang.

Natural Beauty

Mount Qingcheng is blessed with lush forests, clear streams, and picturesque landscapes. The most famous attraction is the Jade Emperor’s Peak (玉皇峰), which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can take cable cars or walk up the mountain to explore its many wonders.

Tips for Tourists

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as there are many steep paths and stairs on the mountain.
• Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as it can get very hot during the summer months.
• Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples and other religious sites.
• Consider hiring a guide to help navigate the mountain and learn more about its history and culture.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System (涪江堰)

Overview

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is an ancient water management system located in Chengdu, Sichuan province, China. It was built by the military engineer Li Bing and his son, Li Er, around 256 BC during the Qin Dynasty. The system has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

History

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System was designed to prevent flooding in the lower reaches of the Min River while also providing irrigation water for agriculture. It is considered one of the greatest water conservancy projects ever built and continues to function today, over 2000 years after its construction.

Architecture

The system consists of three main components: the Feishayuan Reservoir (飞沙塱), the Fish Mouth (鱼鼓口), and the Regulating Dam (调制堰). These components work together to divert floodwaters around the city of Chengdu while supplying irrigation water for agricultural use.

Natural Beauty

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including the Qionghai Lake (秦漕湖) and the Dujiangyan Scenic Area (涪江堰风光区). Visitors can walk along the waterways, visit the various structures of the system, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Tips for Tourists

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a lot of walking involved in exploring the Dujiangyan Irrigation System.
• Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the area can get very hot during the summer months.
• Respect local customs and traditions when visiting religious sites and historical attractions.
• Consider hiring a guide to help navigate the system and learn more about its history and function.