Sichuan, China: A Travel Guide to Visiting Dujiangyan in May

A detailed travel guide to Dujiangyan, Sichuan, covering attractions, routes, transportation, food, and practical tips to help you plan your trip efficiently: 1. Key Attractions and Recommended Routes 1. Dujiangyan Irrigation System (Must-Visit) Features: A World Cultural Heritage Site, a 2,000-year-old water diversion project without a dam, witnessing the wisdom of the ancients. Key Attractions: Yuzui Water Dividing Dam: Diverts the Min River into inner and outer rivers, with a ratio of 6:4 in winter and spring, and 4:6 in summer and fall. Feishayan Spillway: Discharges floodwater and sediment to avoid river siltation. Baopingkou Channel: A gap in Jade Mountain dug by Li Bing to control the inflow of water. Anlan Suspension Bridge: An antique iron chain bridge spanning the Min River, perfect for taking photos. Recommended Route: South Bridge → Qingxi Garden → Yangong Road → Fulong Temple → Feishayan Spillway → Yuzui Water Dividing Dam → Anlan Suspension Bridge → Erwang Temple → Songmao Ancient Road → Yulei Pass. Duration: 3–4 hours (You can rent an audio guide for CNY 20 to gain an in-depth understanding of the water conservancy principles). 2. Guanxian Ancient City (Free) Features: Ancient streets with local food and creative shops, suitable for night tours. Must-Try Foods: West Street: Lao Luo Hao Sweet Water Noodles, Mama's Dumplings, Lin Ji Zha Zha Noodles. Yangliuhe Street: Wenge Cong Cong Rolls, Lao Ma Hot and Sour Noodles, Zhong Duck. Night Tour Highlights: Night view of South Bridge (Blue Tears light show), street performances by the river. 3. Mount Qingcheng (Optional Combined Tour) Front Mountain: The core of Taoist culture, with attractions such as Tianshi Cave, Shangqing Palace, and Laojun Pavilion. It is recommended to take the cable car up (to save energy). Back Mountain: More natural scenery, with Tai'an Ancient Town and Longyin Gorge Plank Road, suitable for hiking enthusiasts. Combined Tour Suggestions: If time permits, you can arrange a one-day tour of "Dujiangyan + Mount Qingcheng Front Mountain" or a two-day tour of "Dujiangyan + Mount Qingcheng Back Mountain." 2. May Limited-Time Activities 1. Dujiangyan Water Releasing Festival Time: Usually in early April (such as the 2025 Water Releasing Ceremony on April 4), pay attention to the announcement of the year. Content: Restore the ancient sacrificial ceremony, display the history of water conservancy projects, and need to make an appointment for the viewing quota in advance. 3. Practical Guide Transportation Suggestions Self-driving: About 1 hour from Chengdu (Chengdu-Guanxian Expressway), parking fee at the scenic spot is CNY 10/time. High-speed train: Chengdu Xipu Station → Dujiangyan Station (20 minutes, fare CNY 10), take a taxi to the scenic spot from the station. Bus: Take a bus from Chengdu Chadianzi Passenger Station to Dujiangyan, and transfer to the scenic spot shuttle bus. Tickets and Reservations Tickets: Dujiangyan full price is CNY 80, half price is CNY 40 (students/seniors, etc.). Reservation: No reservation is required on non-holidays. On public holidays, you need to make a reservation in advance through the official platform of "Mount Qingcheng Dujiangyan." Accommodation Recommendations City Hotels: Dujiangyan city (such as Six Senses Hotel, Howard Johnson Qingcheng), convenient transportation and rich nightlife. At the foot of Mount Qingcheng: B&Bs such as "Qingcheng·Zuo Wang" to experience the Taoist cultural atmosphere. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls You can skip the paid projects such as "Li Bing and His Son's Memorial Ceremony" in the scenic area, and focus on the water conservancy project itself. There are many people on Anlan Suspension Bridge, pay attention to safety and avoid crowded times (such as noon). A separate ticket (CNY 20) is required for the back mountain of Mount Qingcheng, which is not valid for the front mountain ticket. 4. Itinerary Planning Reference One-Day Tour Morning: Dujiangyan Scenic Area (opens at 8:00, visit during off-peak hours) → Lunch (in the scenic area or downtown). Afternoon: Stroll around Guanxian Ancient City → Night view of South Bridge (lights up after 19:00). Return trip: Take the high-speed train from Dujiangyan Station back to Chengdu (last train is around 21:00). Two-Day Tour Day 1: Dujiangyan Scenic Area → Night tour of Guanxian Ancient City → Stay in the city. Day 2: Mount Qingcheng Front Mountain (cable car up and walk down) → Return trip. 5. Extended Surroundings Panda Valley: Dujiangyan Giant Panda Park, you need to buy tickets separately, it is recommended to enter the park before 9 am. Hongkou Rafting: Cool experience in summer, about 20 km from Dujiangyan. The climate in Dujiangyan in May is pleasant, with both the historical weight of water conservancy projects and the atmosphere of western Sichuan ancient towns. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes, prepare sun protection equipment, and easily unlock the charm of the "Source of Tianfu"!