Dujiangyan Day Trip from Chengdu: A One-Day Itinerary Guide

For travelers who love history and nature, Dujiangyan is more than just a hydraulic engineering masterpiece — it’s a “living heritage museum.”

Only one hour from Chengdu, you can step back 2,200 years to witness the ancient wisdom of “dancing with nature.” This guide is tailored for international travelers seeking a smooth and enriching Dujiangyan day trip from Chengdu. You’ll find practical information on transportation, sightseeing, food, night views, and return options — everything you need for a perfect one-day itinerary.

I. Transportation: How to Get from Chengdu to Dujiangyan

1. High-Speed Rail (Recommended)

• Route: Chengdu Xipu Station → Lidui Park Station (approx. 20 minutes, ¥10). The scenic area is a 10-minute walk from the exit.
• Frequency: Trains run from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Book in advance via the 12306 App or website.
• Tip: Lidui Park Station is closest to the entrance — ideal for first-time visitors. Dujiangyan Station requires a short bus or taxi ride.

2. Bus

• Chadianzi Bus Station: Frequent buses to Dujiangyan Bus Center (approx. 1.5 hrs, ¥18). From there, take Bus 7 or 10 to the scenic area.
• Xin Nanmen Bus Station: Direct routes to Qingcheng Mountain (1.5 hrs, ¥30). Perfect if combining both sites in two days.

3. Driving / Private Car

• Route: Chengguan Expressway → Dujiangyan Toll Station → Yingbin Avenue → Dujiangyan Avenue → Scenic Area.
• Parking: Lots P1/P4 are 5–10 minutes’ walk from the gate (approx. ¥10 per visit).

II. Dujiangyan Scenic Area Highlights (3–4 Hours)

Suggested Route: Lidui Gate Entrance → Qingxi Garden → Fulong Temple (Bottle-Neck Channel) → Flying Sand Weir → Fish Mouth Levee → Anlan Suspension Bridge → Two Kings Temple → Yulei Mountain Square → Guanxian Ancient City.

1. Morning: Understanding the Ancient “Water Wisdom”

• Qingxi Garden (20 min): Classical bamboo and pine garden, peaceful and photogenic.
• Fulong Temple (30 min): Overlooks the Bottle-Neck Channel (Baopingkou) — marvel at how ancient engineers mastered water flow. Don’t miss the Li Bing stone statue inside.
• Flying Sand Weir (Feishayan) (20 min): Observe how the curved flow filters sediment — especially spectacular in summer floods.
• Fish Mouth Levee (Yuzui) (40 min): The river divides here — the Inner River irrigates, while the Outer River prevents floods. Learn the “Four-Six Split” concept that still guides water today.
• Anlan Suspension Bridge (15 min): A historic wooden bridge swaying above the Min River — perfect panoramic spot for photos.

2. Midday: Lunch in Guanxian Ancient City

Just a 5-minute walk from the South Gate.

Recommended Food:

• Sweet Water Noodles (Tianshuimian): Thick noodles in sweet-spicy sauce — a Chengdu classic.
• Mama Chaoshou (Wontons): Rich broth and soft wrappers.
• Lin Ji Zha Zha Mian: Crunchy minced meat topping with seaweed soup.
  After lunch, wander West Street (Xijie) and Yangliu River Street, and relax in a local teahouse with Gaiwan Cha (lidded-bowl tea).

3. Afternoon: Yulei Mountain & Panoramic Views

• Two Kings Temple (Erwang Miao) (40 min): Dedicated to Li Bing and his son. Climb the back path for a full system view.
• Yulei Mountain Trail (30 min): Stone steps lead to Yulei Pavilion and City God Temple (Ming architecture, vivid murals).
• Yulei Pavilion (¥20): The best 360° panorama of Dujiangyan — ideal for sunset photography.

III. Nanqiao Bridge Night View: The “Blue Tears” Wonder

1. Lighting Schedule

• Summer: Nanqiao lights at 7:30 PM; “Blue Tears” glow around 8:00 PM.
• Winter: Lights at 6:30 PM; arrive early by 7:00 PM for the best view.

2. Photo Guide

• Spot 1: Yangtianwo Weir: 400m downstream from Nanqiao. Best view after 8:00 PM — use a low angle to capture the “velvet flow.”
• Spot 2: Nanqiao Bridge: Ornate wooden design with LED lighting — perfect backdrop for Hanfu photos (rental shops nearby).

IV. Return & Accommodation Options

1. Same-Day Return

• Train: Dujiangyan → Chengdu Xipu (last around 10:30 PM).
• Bus: Dujiangyan Bus Center → Chadianzi Station (last around 6:00 PM).

2. Stay Overnight (for Qingcheng Mountain)

• Option 1: Return to Chengdu (1 hour).
• Option 2: Stay near Guanxian Ancient City B&Bs — walkable to the scenic area. Next morning, take a 7-minute train to Qingcheng Mountain Station.

V. Practical Travel Tips

• Tickets: ¥80 via Qingchengshan-Dujiangyan WeChat account.
• Guide Services: English audio devices (¥20) or live guides available.
• Photo Reality Check: “Blue Tears” online photos are heavily filtered — expect a soft blue glow.
• Dining Tips: Best eateries are on West Street and Yangliu River Street; avoid overpriced spots near the main gate.

Conclusion

Dujiangyan’s timeless charm lies in its proof that real progress means harmony with nature, not control over it.
From Chengdu, this one-day journey lets you touch 2,200 years of wisdom flowing quietly beneath the mountains.

Itinerary Summary: Chengdu → Dujiangyan Scenic Area (Daytime) → Nanqiao Night View → Return or Stay → (Next Day) Qingcheng Mountain.
Budget Estimate: Transport ¥50 + Ticket ¥80 + Food ¥100 ≈ ¥230 (excluding accommodation).

🌿 Plan Your Trip

Before your visit, learn more about the ancient wisdom behind this remarkable site. Read Dujiangyan Irrigation System: A 2,200-Year-Old Ecological Wonder Near Chengdu — and discover how this living water project has sustained the Chengdu Plain for over two millennia.