Historical Background
Lidui Park (Lidui meaning "Separated Mound") is one of the most culturally significant green spaces in Dujiangyan City, just an hour’s drive from Chengdu. The park sits at the urban entrance to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest water management systems still in use today, dating back over 2,200 years. The name "Lidui" refers to a small hill within the park that was artificially created during the construction of the Dujiangyan project in the 3rd century BCE by the legendary hydraulic engineer Li Bing and his son. To channel the Min River and prevent flooding, Li Bing ordered workers to carve through Mount Yulei, separating a portion of the mountain that now stands as Lidui—the very mound around which the park is built.
Key Attractions Within the Park
The centerpiece of Lidui Park is Fulong Temple (Fulong Guan), originally constructed during the Jin Dynasty (265–420 CE) as Fanxian Pavilion to honor Fan Changsheng, a revered Taoist leader and political figure from the Han Dynasty. By the Song Dynasty (960–1279), it was renamed Fulong Guan—“Temple for Subduing the Dragon”—reflecting local legends that Li Bing had tamed a river dragon causing floods. Inside the temple’s front hall stands a remarkable Eastern Han Dynasty stone statue of Li Bing, unearthed in 1974 during reconstruction of the nearby Anlan Suspension Bridge. Carved in 168 CE, this 2.9-meter-tall statue once served as a hydrological marker to measure water levels—a testament to the scientific sophistication of ancient Chinese engineering.
Adjacent to Fulong Guan is the Dujiangyan Museum, housed in the elegant Huicui Palace. Though compact, the museum offers an excellent primer on the irrigation system’s history, mechanics, and enduring legacy. Interactive displays, scale models, and bilingual panels explain how the system diverts floodwaters in summer while ensuring steady irrigation in dry seasons—without dams or modern technology. Many visitors recommend starting here before exploring the wider Dujiangyan Scenic Area to fully appreciate its genius.
Park Layout and Natural Beauty
Spanning approximately 90 acres, Lidui Park blends historical monuments with tranquil gardens, winding pathways, lotus ponds, and centuries-old trees. A gentle climb up the 42-step staircase leads to the summit of Lidui Hill, offering panoramic views of the Min River and surrounding mountains. The park is meticulously landscaped with traditional Chinese garden elements: arched bridges, pavilions, carved stone railings, and seasonal floral displays. In spring, cherry blossoms and magnolias bloom; in autumn, golden ginkgo leaves create a picturesque canopy.
Cultural Significance and Visitor Experience
As the main gateway to the Dujiangyan Scenic Area, Lidui Park serves both as an introduction and a peaceful retreat. Unlike busier sections of the site, the park maintains a calm, reflective atmosphere—ideal for photography, quiet contemplation, or learning about Sichuan’s engineering heritage. Locals often practice tai chi here at dawn, and you might encounter traditional music performances near the central plaza on weekends. The integration of nature, history, and spirituality makes Lidui Park more than just a stopover—it’s a destination in its own right.
Practical Information for International Travelers
Located at No. 179 Gongyuan Road in Dujiangyan City, the park is easily accessible by public transport from Chengdu (take Metro Line 2 to Xipu Station, then a high-speed train to Dujiangyan Railway Station—just a 10-minute walk away). English signage is available at major points, though audio guides or guided tours (bookable via Trip.com or on-site) enhance understanding. Restrooms, souvenir shops, and tea houses are conveniently located throughout. While the park itself doesn’t require a separate ticket beyond the Dujiangyan Scenic Area admission, entry is timed and controlled to manage crowds—especially during holidays.
Why Lidui Park Stands Out
What makes Lidui Park exceptional is its seamless fusion of natural beauty, ancient engineering, and spiritual heritage. It’s not merely a green space but a living monument to human ingenuity. For travelers seeking depth beyond typical sightseeing, Lidui offers context, calm, and connection—to history, to water, and to the enduring wisdom of China’s past.