You have now traveled back to 315 BCE in China, during the Warring States period, and have become the Governor of Shu(Sichuan) Commandery. The King of Qin has ordered you to harness the Min Riverâa tributary of the Yangtze that poses a flooding threat to the Chengdu Plain. What would you do?(cr æćæç»)
Dujiangyan is considered one of the greatest hydraulic engineering projects in human history. Constructed during the Warring States period under the direction of Li Bing, the Governor of Shu Commandery, and his son, it has spanned over 2,300 years and remains fully operational today. Water conservancy experts from around the world frequently visit the site. In 2000, UNESCO inscribed Dujiangyan as a World Heritage Site, recognizing it as "a living heritage of water management" and "the oldest and only surviving large-scale hydraulic project in the world that operates without a dam." It stands as an outstanding example of global water conservancy culture. The design of Dujiangyan is remarkably ingenious, adhering to the principle of minimal intervention. It works in complete harmony with nature, causing no ecological disruption. For over 2,300 years, it has had no negative environmental impact, embodying the Daoist philosophy of "harmony between humanity and nature" to the fullest extent.
The water of Dujiangyan is very clear, appearing green when sediment levels are low. The surrounding ecology is also thriving, with people often spotting ottersâan indicator species highly sensitive to water qualityâfrequenting the area. A netizen from northern China visited Dujiangyan and was deeply moved by its grandeur. She later posted a question online: "I love Dujiangyan so muchâwould the people of Dujiangyan mind if I had my ashes scattered here after I die?" This sparked lively discussions, with the top-voted comment as follows:
Jokes aside, Cnetizens genuinely love Dujiangyan. Mount Qingcheng, where Dujiangyan is located, is one of the important birthplaces of Daoism. During the Eastern Han Dynasty(25â220 CE), Zhang Daoling cultivated his practice and founded a Daoist sect here. Mount Qingcheng is renowned for its "ethereal seclusion under heaven." Especially on overcast days, the mountain brims with a profound spiritual energyâa presence that photos cannot convey. One must experience it in person to feel as if stumbling into a realm of cultivation, akin to the world of an xianxia novel.
