Location & Transportation

Lying Iron sits in the southeastern corner of Dujiangyan Scenic Area, near Lidui Park Road in Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province. To get there, take a 1-hour high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Dujiangyan Station, then a 10-minute taxi ride. If driving, park at the scenic area’s main lot and walk toward the inner river section—you’ll spot a crowd gathered around the historic iron bar.

Natural Scenery

Nestled between the roaring inner river and lush hills, Lying Iron feels like a secret tucked into nature. In winter, when water levels drop, the riverbed around it looks like a giant sandy canvas. During summer floods, the iron bar remains just visible, marking how the river’s mood changes with the seasons. Nearby, the narrow Baopingkou (Jade Seal Opening) channel creates a dramatic contrast: turbulent water rushing through a man-made gorge.

Cultural Significance

This rusty iron bar might look ordinary, but it’s been here for over 2,000 years! Back in ancient times, engineer Li Bing designed it as a “depth ruler” for river cleaning. Every year, workers dig until they hit Lying Iron—that’s the perfect depth to keep the river healthy. It’s like an ancient GPS for maintaining Dujiangyan’s water system. Even today, locals follow the rule “dig deep, build low” (Li Bing’s original advice), and Lying Iron still guides their work.

Historical Stories

Did you know? Lying Iron was placed during the Qin Dynasty, making it older than most historical landmarks in Europe! It’s part of why Dujiangyan still works without electricity—the design is pure genius. Guides often joke that this iron bar has seen more dynasties than any royal family.

Practical Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Winter (December–February) when the river is low and Lying Iron is fully exposed.
  • What to Bring: Waterproof shoes (you’ll get close to the river!) and curiosity.
  • Guided Tours: Join a group to hear stories about how Li Bing tested the river’s flow with a bamboo basket.

Nearby Attractions

After seeing Lying Iron, walk 10 minutes to Anan Bridge (an old chain bridge) or explore Lidui Park, where a mountain split by ancient flood control efforts creates a natural island. For a full day, combine it with the Dujiangyan Irrigation Museum to learn how this iron bar fits into the world’s oldest water system.

Visitor Experience

Standing next to Lying Iron feels like connecting with history. You’ll see families taking selfies with the iron bar, school groups listening to guides, and experts measuring its position. On quiet mornings, you can almost imagine Li Bing’s workers shouting commands as they dug. It’s not a grand temple or a huge statue, but this small iron bar proves how smart engineering outlasts time.

Pro Tip: Ask a guide to explain the six-character rule “deep dig, low dam” (Shen Tao Tan, Di Zuo Yan)—it’s Dujiangyan’s secret to surviving natural disasters for millennia.

Whether you’re into engineering, history, or just love quirky landmarks, Lying Iron offers a unique peek into China’s genius. And hey, how many tourist spots let you touch a 2,000-year-old artifact?