Dujiangyan Irrigation System – a world cultural heritage corresponding to concepts of modern hydraulic science

The ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System (DIS) was listed as a World Culture Heritage Site by the World Heritage Center, UNESCO in 2000. DIS still plays a crucial role in flood control, irrigation and water supply for Chengdu Plain in Sichuan Province. The immense advances in science and technology achieved in ancient China are graphically illustrated by the DIS. The system is appropriately arranged in accordance with the terrain and topography of the river and Chengdu plain, thus successfully solving the problem of sand discharge, flood control, and water distribution. Consequently the task of gravity diversion could be fulfilled over a long period and across the whole irrigation district. Since 1940s, series of prototype observations, hydraulic physical model experiments, and numerical modeling, have been conducted to explore the design philosophy, new planning scheme and key techniques for modern reconstruction. At the same time, science mechanism and river dynamics of the wonder being based upon are discovered. A selective literature review of the DIS is offered in this paper to introduce record history of the original construction and sustainable development, engineering and science values, and regularly restoration experiences. Based on analysis of accurate literatures, a new understanding to the original headwork structure of Dujiangyan is provided.