Nestled between the flowing waters of the Min River and the rolling fields of the Chengdu Plain stands the Dujiangyan Irrigation Systemâ€"a testament to human ingenuity and harmony with nature.
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is one of the most extraordinary engineering achievements in human history, a masterpiece of ancient design that still serves millions today.
Built over 2,300 years ago, during the Warring States period in what is now Sichuan Province, this system was designed not to block the river with a dam, but to work with natureâ€"taming the unruly Min River while providing life-giving irrigation to the fertile Chengdu Plain.
Its story begins at a time when floods and droughts brought suffering to the people of Sichuan. The Qin Dynasty, seeking to strengthen its hold on the region, appointed a governor named Li Bing to solve the problem.
Li Bing studied the river's behavior and devised a system that would forever change the fate of Sichuan. Instead of fighting the river, he redirected it.
The heart of his design was the Fish Mouth Leveeâ€"a carefully shaped divider that splits the Min River into two channels, one for irrigation and the other for flood control.
This simple yet brilliant structure ensured that water would flow steadily to farmlands while excess floodwaters were safely carried away. To manage the buildup of silt, he built the Flying Sand Weirâ€"a spillway that uses the river's own swirling currents to flush out sediment, keeping the system clear.
Finally, the Bottleneck Channel acted as a precise regulator, controlling how much water entered the irrigation network.
What makes Dujiangyan truly remarkable is that it has never stopped working. For centuries, it has turned Sichuan into one of China's most productive agricultural regions, earning it the nickname "Land of Abundance."
Even today, the system irrigates over 5,300 square kilometers of farmland, supporting crops that feed millions. Unlike modern dams, which often disrupt ecosystems, Dujiangyan operates in harmony with nature, requiring no artificial barriers or destructive interventions.
It has survived wars, dynasties, and even the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake, which caused only minor damage.
Beyond its practical benefits, Dujiangyan stands as a symbol of human innovation and sustainability. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, it attracts visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its ancient yet timeless design.
Walking along its pathways, one can see the same structures that Li Bing built over two millennia ago, still performing their duty just as effectively as they did in the days of the Qin Dynasty.
As the world today grapples with climate change and environmental challenges, Dujiangyan remains a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when ingenuity and respect for nature come together.
A Festival of Water and Memory
Every spring during Qingming Festival (around April 4â€"6), the city of Dujiangyan comes alive with one of China's oldest and most symbolic cultural events: The Water-Releasing Festival. With a history of over 1,000 years, this grand ceremony honors both the annual maintenance of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and the legacy of its visionary creator, Li Bing.
The celebration is not only a tribute to ancient engineering but also a spiritual rite marking the beginning of spring ploughingâ€"a time of renewal and agricultural hope.
Declared a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006, the festival culminates in a dramatic Water-Releasing Ceremony. Dressed in traditional Han attire, local officials, invitees, and participants reenact age-old rituals, including the symbolic cutting of rope-bound cofferdams made of wood, bamboo, and stone to release the river's flow back into the irrigation channels.
Offerings are made to the gods and to Li Bing himself, while spectators throw symbolic items into the water to pray for good harvests and well-being.
Christian Mugisha
