Lazy travel guide for Dujiangyan: Eat your way through Guan County by high-speed train, understand the millennium-old water conservancy in 3 hours

🌿Dujiangyan Lazy Guide｜Latest 2025 tips, easy for students and family trips! If you want to escape the city heat, Dujiangyan is the place to go! Here you’ll find not only a millennium-old water conservancy marvel but also a beautiful summer retreat with clear mountains and waters. The best part is the super convenient transportation, just 30 minutes from Chengdu~ 🌟Must-visit attractions 1. Dujiangyan Irrigation System The "Fish Mouth Diversion Dam," "Flying Sand Weir," and "Bottle Neck" from your textbooks can finally be seen in person! It’s recommended to get a guide (there are electronic guides at the scenic area entrance, 20 RMB/hour), otherwise it really looks like an ordinary dam 😂 Remember to enter from the gate of Lidu Park and follow the route: Yanggong Road → Fulong Temple → Flying Sand Weir → Bottle Neck → Fish Mouth, then cross Anlan Suspension Bridge to Erwang Temple. The whole trip takes about 3 hours. If you’re short on energy, you can pay 10 RMB for a sightseeing bus from Beiting to Fish Mouth. 2. Guan County Ancient Town Exit the scenic area from the back gate and you’re in the ancient town. The old teahouses on West Street, halal food on South Street, and snack stalls on Xingfu Road make for a satisfying food tour! Recommended to try scallion rolls (both Li Mei and Cultural Revolution styles are good), spicy rabbit head (super fragrant), and Zhong duck (locals have loved it since childhood). Don’t forget to have a fresh juice from Yiguo Kitchen, 15 RMB for a large cup, great value. 3. Qingcheng Mountain Visit the front mountain for Taoist temples (80 RMB ticket) or the back mountain for water fun (20 RMB ticket). If short on time, choose the back mountain! Start from Taian Ancient Town and follow the route: Wulong Valley → Longyin Gorge plank road → Cuiying Lake → Feiquan Valley, about 5 hours total. You need to take a boat on Cuiying Lake (3 RMB/person). Remember to wear non-slip shoes, the creek water is very cool, and bring extra clothes if you have kids to play in the water. 🚗Transportation Guide - High-speed train: Chengdu Xipu Station → Dujiangyan Lidu Park Station, 20 minutes direct, ticket 10 RMB. Remember to buy return tickets in advance, weekends often sell out. - Direct shuttle bus: From Kuanzhai Alley and Chunxi Road, there are direct buses to Dujiangyan, 30 RMB/person, good for those who don’t want to transfer. - Self-driving: About 1 hour via Chengdu-Dujiangyan Expressway, parking around the scenic area is 10 RMB/day, but traffic jams are common on holidays, so off-peak travel is recommended. 🍜Food Recommendations ✅Must-eat: - Spicy Rabbit Head: Both spicy and five-spice flavors are delicious, remember to have a bowl of iced jelly to cool down. - Zhang Fermented Rice: Brown sugar fermented rice with soft-boiled egg, the rice is hand-rolled, the egg is runny, sweet but not greasy. - Qiu Tofu Pudding: Silky tofu pudding with spicy dipping sauce, perfect with a bowl of rice. ❌Avoid: - Don’t trust the “free guides” at the scenic area entrance, they usually try to sell souvenirs. - Don’t blindly follow internet-famous shops; local favorites with queues are more reliable, like Beijie Rice Noodles and Zhao’s Noodles. 📍Useful Tips 1. Ticket discounts: From July 1 to September 10, 2025, current middle and high school exam students get free Dujiangyan tickets with exam admission tickets! Others pay 80 RMB, students half price. 2. Best time: Summer is the top choice for cooling off, cool mornings and evenings, remember sun protection during the day. Avoid holidays for fewer crowds and better experience. 3. Accommodation recommendations: - For a comfortable budget: Qingcheng Mountain Chunshanwai Hot Spring Hotel, private hot spring + mountain view rooms, perfect for relaxation. - Cost-effective choice: Duolanda V Hotel, near Nanqiao, smart room controls + free parking, 5-minute walk to the scenic area. 4. Cultural experience: The Water Release Festival on April 4 is amazing! Traditional rituals, raft cutting and water release, plus Sino-Thai cultural fusion activities. Remember to check the date in advance next year. 📸Photo Guide - Dujiangyan Scenic Area: Take panoramic shots at Fish Mouth Diversion Dam, ancient-style photos at Anlan Suspension Bridge, and capture the rushing water’s momentum at Bottle Neck. - Nanqiao: Beautiful when the lights come on at dusk, the blue firefly effect is stunning! - Yangtianwo Square: Take selfies with the panda statue, remember to bring a wide-angle lens. Dujiangyan is truly a place you’ll want to visit again! You can experience ancient wisdom and enjoy the beauty of nature. Save this guide and set off this weekend～💦