Nestled in Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province, the Yuzui (Fish Mouth) stands as a testament to humanity’s timeless battle with nature. This 500-meter-long structure, part of the UNESCO-listed Dujiangyan Irrigation System, has silently shaped the Chengdu Plain’s destiny for over two millennia.
A Living Legacy of Hydraulic Genius
Carved into the Minjiang River, Yuzui’s fish-like tip divides the waterway into Inner and Outer Rivers – a design perfected during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE). Unlike modern concrete barriers, this natural-looking levee uses the river’s own flow patterns to redirect 60% of water to irrigation channels during dry seasons and 40% during floods.
From Cobblestones to Steel
While maintaining its original form, Yuzui has evolved through dynastic repairs and modern reinforcements. Today, steel meshes and concrete foundations work discreetly beneath traditional cobblestone surfaces, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary engineering to protect 5.3 million acres of farmland.
More Than a Tourist Attraction
For business analysts, Yuzui demonstrates sustainable infrastructure investment. Researchers marvel at its earthquake-resistant design, while diaspora visitors connect with cultural roots through this functioning artifact. Travelers walking its length witness how ecological balance became an art form centuries ago.
