Location & Transportation

Yuzui Water-Dividing Embankment sits in the heart of Dujiangyan Scenic Area, Chengdu, Sichuan Province—about 50 kilometers west of downtown Chengdu. To get there, take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Dujiangyan City (30 minutes), then a taxi or bus to the scenic area. If you drive, park at the Dujiangyan Visitor Center and walk in. The embankment is near the inner and outer Jiang divide, so you’ll pass it naturally while exploring the ancient irrigation system.

Natural Landscape: A River-Carving Wonder

The Yuzui Embankment isn’t just a pile of rocks—it’s a natural-looking, fish-shaped structure splitting the Min River into two paths. During rainy seasons, water roars over the outer river (like a wild waterfall!), while in dry seasons, it trickles calmly into the inner river. Stand on the embankment, and you’ll feel like you’re straddling two worlds: thunderous waves on one side, gentle flows on the other. Locals say it’s nature and human genius working together—the river’s current shaped the fish-mouth design over centuries, but ancient engineers smartly reinforced it with stone.

Cultural History: 2,000 Years of Genius

This spot is the crown jewel of Dujiangyan, a UNESCO-listed irrigation system built in 256 BC by Li Bing, a Qin Dynasty governor. The Yuzui didn’t just split rivers—it saved a region. Legend says during the Japanese bombings of World War II, pilots flew over Dujiangyan expecting a “dam” but saw only a stone-and-earth embankment blended into the river. They thought it wasn’t worth bombing, leaving this miracle untouched. Today, it’s still actively used to feed water to Chengdu’s farmlands, proving ancient wisdom still works!

How It Works: Nature’s Smart Split

Here’s the cool part: the Yuzui acts like a giant, adjustable water valve. In wet seasons, 60% of water rushes into the outer river (to avoid floods), while 40% flows into the inner river for crops. In dry seasons, the ratio flips. The embankment’s fish-tail shape slows the current, making sand sink, and clear water flows into the inner river. It’s like a DIY flood control system made with bamboo baskets and local stones—no cement!

Nearby Attractions: Bridges, Temples, & More

After snapping photos at Yuzui, walk Anlan Suspension Bridge (a wobbly, old-school rope bridge) to cross the Min River. On the far side, hike up to Erwang Temple, a cliffside temple with killer views. Thirsty? Try Min Tea House near the bridge—sip tea while watching the river. For food, Dujiangyan City has spicy Sichuan noodles and yaoyao chicken (a local dish).

Visitor Tips: What to Expect

  • Best time to visit: Spring or fall (mild weather, fewer crowds).
  • Footwear: Wear grippy shoes—the embankment gets slippery near water.
  • Guides: Rent an audio guide or join a tour to hear stories about Li Bing and his “river-taming” tactics.
  • Photo spots: Sunrise or sunset casts golden light on the water, making the Yuzui glow.

Walking here feels like stepping back in time. You’ll see traditional water wheels still used by farmers, and hear the river’s roar mixing with temple bells. It’s not just a sight—it’s a reminder of how smart people were (and still are) at working with nature, not against it.

Key words: Yuzui Water-Dividing Embankment, Dujiangyan, Li Bing, Anlan Suspension Bridge, Erwang Temple, Min River, Sichuan irrigation, ancient engineering, WWII legend, Chengdu day trip.