Major city · China
Dujiangyan都江堰
Give Dujiangyan one full day from Chengdu for the 256 BC irrigation system and old town; sleep one night only if you add Mount Qingcheng or the pandas.
Dujiangyan is a county-level city 60 km northwest of Chengdu, where the Min River leaves the mountains for the Chengdu Plain. Its 2,200-year-old irrigation system is still working and is a UNESCO site with Mount Qingcheng. Most travellers come as a day trip on the 30–40 minute intercity train; the old town, riverside and panda base reward a night if you want Mount Qingcheng too.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CNY
- Best months
- Sep–Nov; Mar–May is second best
- avoid Jul–Aug (wettest, 265–273 mm rain, humid), Chinese New Year and Golden Week crowds
- Airports
- CTU · TFU
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- China ↗Most nationalities need a visa, a unilateral visa-free entry (the list and end dates change) or the transit exemption below. Confirm your route on the official sites before you buy a ticket.
- China ↗Transit stay without a visa: up to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of about 55 listed countries who pass through China to a third country or region, with a confirmed onward ticket and a stay inside the permitted area (Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei count as one area). It replaced the 144-hour rule in December 2024, which some older pages still quote. Use the transit lane at immigration, show the onward ticket, and check the current nationality list. Hong Kong and Macau count as separate regions; check whether your ticket qualifies.
- China ↗Foreign visitors must register their address with the police within 24 hours; hotels do it at check-in with your passport. Carry the original passport at all times: hotels, trains, museums, Tiananmen Square and police checks ask for it.
- China ↗Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card before you fly. QR payment is the default in shops, taxis and many stalls, and some places refuse cash or a foreign card. Carry cash as a backup.
- China ↗Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and many news sites are blocked. Use an eSIM with roaming (it routes through your home network) or install and test a VPN before you fly; VPN sites and app stores are hard to reach inside China, and only government-approved VPNs are officially permitted.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Dujiangyan110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Dujiangyan, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Alipay and WeChat Pay accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Amex cards; single payments over ¥200 (≈ US$30) carry a fee of about 3% on a foreign card (smaller ones…China-wide
- SIM or eSIMA roaming eSIM from outside China routes traffic through its home network, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a VPN — the simplest setup.China-wide
- Tap waterNot for drinking from the tap; bottled water ¥2–5 (≈ under US$1), and kettles and free bottles in hotel rooms.China-wide
- TippingRestaurants: No tip; upmarket hotels add 10–15% service.China-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C/I. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.China-wide
- SafetyDujiangyan is calm and safe for tourists; the real risks are summer downpours and mountain trails…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are frequent and free; squat toilets outside hotels and malls.China-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire · 120 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums and palaces close on Mondays; the Forbidden City too (outside holidays).China-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckCTU Chengdu Tianfu International (About 1.5–2 h by metro and intercity rail via Chengdu; check connections).
- Getting aroundCentral Dujiangyan is compact and walkable: old town, Lidui Park, Anlan Bridge and the irrigation system sit within about 2 km (1.2 mi).Central Dujiangyan is compact and walkable: old town, Lidui Park, Anlan Bridge and the irrigation system sit within about 1.2 mi (2 km).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee¥15–35 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealNoodle soup or Sichuan set meal¥15–40 (≈ US$3–6)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at a convenience store¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5)¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiStarting fare ¥4.¥10–15 (≈ US$2–3)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus rideExact change or QR payment.¥1–2 (≈ under US$1)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week¥50–120 (≈ US$7–17)
- Museum or sight ticketIrrigation system entrycheck¥90 (≈ US$13)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCN¥60 (≈ US$9)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or chain-hotel double, a night, per roomCN¥350 (≈ US$50)
- High-end bedGuesthouse or chain-hotel double, a night, per roomCN¥700 (≈ US$100)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CN¥250 (≈ US$35) · Mid CN¥500 (≈ US$70) · High CN¥1,000 (≈ US$140)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CTU Chengdu Tianfu International (About 1.5–2 h by metro and intercity rail via Chengdu; check connections) · TFU Chengdu Shuangliu International (Older Chengdu airport; metro to Chengdu then intercity train, about 1.5–2 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
9°C (47°F)47°F (9°C)
Feb
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Mar
Best
16°C (60°F)60°F (16°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (85°F)85°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (76°F)76°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (67°F)67°F (20°C)
Nov
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Dec
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (85°F)85°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jul (19 rain days), driest Jan (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Dujiangyan: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
9°C (47°F)47°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
Feb
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Mar
16°C (60°F)60°F (16°C)
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
12 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (56°F)56°F (13°C)
14 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
16 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
17 rd
Jul
29°C (85°F)85°F (29°C)
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
19 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
18 rd
Sep
25°C (76°F)76°F (25°C)
19°C (65°F)65°F (19°C)
16 rd
Oct
20°C (67°F)67°F (20°C)
14°C (58°F)58°F (14°C)
14 rd
Nov
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10°C (49°F)49°F (10°C)
10 rd
Dec
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (40°F)40°F (4°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Central Dujiangyan is compact and walkable: old town, Lidui Park, Anlan Bridge and the irrigation system sit within about 2 km. City buses cost ¥1–2 (exact change or WeChat Pay/Alipay QR), taxis start at ¥4 and short hops stay under ¥10, and shared bikes (Meituan, Qingju) cover the riverside path. Use Didi for Mount Qingcheng's back entrance or the panda bases.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mount Qingcheng (front mountain)
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Intercity train to Qingchengshan station, 5–7 min from Liduigongyuan, then shuttle or taxi to the gate
2.5–4 h hike to the summit; cable car available. Start early.
Dujiangyan Panda Base
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Bus 102 from outside Dujiangyan bus station or Qingchengshan station
Pandas come out around 09:30; reserve ahead.Pandas come out around 9:30 AM; reserve ahead.
Chengdu
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Intercity train from Liduigongyuan or Dujiangyan station, about 35 min
Frequent services; the fastest link back to the city.
Pengzhou
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Regional train or bus west of Chengdu
Select schedules only; check times before you go.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old town / Guanxian Ancient City
Walk to the irrigation system entrance and Lidui Park station; best for one night with the sights on foot.
Nanqiao (South Bridge) riverside
Night lights, food streets and promenades; 10–15 min walk from the old town.
Near Dujiangyan Railway Station
Cheaper chain hotels and bus line 4 into town; pick this only if you arrive late or leave early.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥250–450 (≈ US$35–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥450–900 (≈ US$65–130) excl. bed
- High
- ¥900 (≈ US$130)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or chain-hotel double1 × 1 night × CN¥350 | CN¥350 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × CN¥500 | CN¥1,000 |
| Intercity train Chengdu–Dujiangyan, both ways2 × CN¥30 · check | CN¥60 |
| Irrigation system scenic-area ticket2 × CN¥90 · check | CN¥180 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CN¥70 | CN¥140 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CN¥173 |
| Trip total≈ CN¥952 per person per day, bed included | CN¥1,903≈ US$300 |
2026 estimate in yuan; flights and long-distance rail excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ¥15–35 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Noodle soup or Sichuan set meal | ¥15–40 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at a convenience store | ¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5) / ¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2) |
| 5 km taxiStarting fare ¥4. | ¥10–15 (≈ US$2–3) |
| City bus rideExact change or QR payment. | ¥1–2 (≈ under US$1) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ¥50–120 (≈ US$7–17) |
| Irrigation system entrycheck | ¥90 (≈ US$13) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Book intercity train tickets ahead for weekends and holidays; services sell out.
- Choose Liduigongyuan station, not Dujiangyan station, if you sleep in the old town.
- July and August bring heavy rain and flash-flood risk in the mountains; check forecasts before hiking.
- Bus displays and announcements are in Chinese only; have a translation app ready.
- Panda-base holding experiences are expensive and time-limited; reserve ahead and bring your passport.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire
- 119
- Ambulance
- 120
Pocket card
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Dujiangyan都江堰
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
请到这个地址To this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire119
- Ambulance120
Embassy
Most countries: embassies in Beijing, consulates-general in Chengdu (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Chengdu → Dujiangyan, intercity train: about ¥10–20 (≈ US$2–3), 30–40 min (check)
- Taxi Chengdu → Dujiangyan: ¥150–200 (≈ US$25–30) one way, 1–1.5 h (check)
- City bus: ¥1–2 (≈ under US$1), exact change or QR
Say or show
- 不好意思 — Excuse me / Sorry (bù hǎo yì si)
- 谢谢 — Thank you (xiè xie)
- 这个 — This one, please (zhè ge)
- 多少钱？ — How much is it? (duō shǎo qián)
- 可以刷卡吗？ — Can I pay by card? (kě yǐ shuā kǎ ma)
- 洗手间在哪里？ — Where is the toilet? (xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ)
Tipping is not expected in China.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Dujiangyan. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Sep–Nov; Mar–May is second best · avoid Jul–Aug (wettest, 265–273 mm rain, humid), Chinese New Year and Golden Week crowds · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CTU/TFU: last intercity departures, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: old town, Lidui Park and Anlan Bridge, Yulei Mountain, Nanqiao riverside.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (irrigation system, Erwang Temple, Fulong Temple, panda bases) and eat pages with last orders.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.