Dujiangyan: In Harmony With Nature

by Kit Gillet, Heather Mowbray, Zhu Feifei (Illustrator)

An abundance of history, culture, outdoor activities and food fresh from the mountains make Dujiangyan a great place to visit for people of all ages and interests. Whether rock climbing, rafting and hiking are your passion, or you just feel like relaxing with an amazing array of delicious teas and foods, Dujiangyan will not disappoint. The natural environment creates a calming and reflective area away from the bustle and intensity of big cities like Chengdu, Beijing and Xi'an, and its special place in Chinese history allows you to revel in over 2,500 years' worth of sites and legends. With the 2,200-year-old irrigation system, the mountainous birthplace of Taoism, and the beautiful canals and streets of the city, history and culture seem to line the region's every avenue and peak. Whether it is the influence of the nearby Taoist monks, or a result of the natural environment, the local population seem to live a relaxed and unhurried lifestyle; spending their evenings walking along the canal sides, or eating and drinking with friends. It's an infectious mood that makes a visit both rewarding and therapeutic. Humankind often seems to be in direct conflict with nature; where we begin to become dominant, nature rarely fails to suffer. But is it necessary that our growth must come at the detriment of the world? Dujiangyan answers this question simply and We can live and create peacefully and comfortably, while nature supports us and prospers.

382 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2008