We woke in the massage parlor just after 0700AM, washed, brushed, and headed for a quick, but filling (meat, baby!) breakfast. We proceeded to drive up the mountain to the entrance of Dujiangyan.

The Dujiangyan Irrigation Project is long-established water conservation works. It is 56 kilometers (34.8miles) west of Chengdu at Dujiangyan city lying in the middle reach of Minjiang River, which is the longest tributary of Yangtze River.

Since ancient times the Minjiang River has surged downward from Mt. Minshan thrusting itself into the Chengdu Plain. When reaching the flatlands the rivers speed slowed down abruptly. Thus the watercourse filled up with silt making this area extremely vulnerable to flooding. The people living on the Chengdu Plain consequently suffered a great deal from frequent floods.

Around BC 250 during the Warring States Period, Li Bing , a governor of Shu in Qin state (present Sichuan Province) with his son directed the construction of Dujiangyan. The governor gave up the old ways of dam building which was simply try to catch the floodwaters. Instead he employed a new method by channeling and dividing the water to harness the Minjiang River. He accomplished this by separating the project in to two main parts: the headwork and the irrigation system. The project effectively put the flooding waters under control.

For over two thousand years the whole system has functioned perfectly, serving as not only as flood prevention but also as an immense source for irrigation as well as a means to facilitate shipping and wood drifting. It has contributed greatly to the richness of Chengdu Plain and helps it earn its reputation as ‘The Land of Abundance’.

On November 29th, 2000, Dujiangyan was listed on world cultural heritages by UNESCO.After touring the spot, we headed to Hong Kou, another quick get away spot located about 45 minutes away. This spot is popular due to its Salmon raising farms and cool, shallow waters that visitors set up tables, chairs, and even umbrellas in.

After parking, as we headed up a hill to the Salmon farm, we bought a whole chicken, cooked in what appears to be paper bags. beggar’s style, I was told. Along with some other breaded snacks, we arrived at an outdoor farm, where we chose our fish and sat for some good eating. Once finished, we headed down the embankment and slipped off our shoes to wade in the rushing water.

We headed back to the apartment in ChengDu for a shower and quick rest. Then it was off for a hot pot party celebrating the end of work for the summer interns. I didn’t plan to drink, but once the alcohol was flowing, I could not resist the toasts of my comrades. Full stomach and intoxicated, we headed to karaoke for singing, dancing, and a dice (read: drinking) game that pushed me to the edge of vomiting. I gave the camera to Ryoko for some of the night so she could capture the events through her eyes.

CH took us home and Qi Yu was rolling by. He stopped and we took a walk and ended up at an internet cafe/tea house for a serious chat. He provided me some really valuable insights. I returned home around 0230AM, but after such an intense discussion, could not sleep. I blasted away in my MS, only to rip up some of it later on. Some things are better left in my head.