Feisha Weir (Spillway)

Feisha Weir (Spillway)

The Feisha Weir (Spillway) is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Feisha Weir spillway is located at the end of the Jingang Dyke and the front of the Lidi, stretching about 200 meters in length and standing 2.15 meters high. Its function is to block water and divert it into the Bao Pingkou when the inner river has low water levels, acting as a river embankment to ensure the water supply for the irrigation area.

Also called the "spillway," the Feisha Weir spillway is the second-largest main structure of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Though it may look unremarkable on the surface, it serves a crucial function—its ingeniously designed system not only channels floodwaters and diverts flows but also has a powerful sand and debris flushing capability. It's a key component ensuring the Chengdu Plain remains safe from flooding.

The view is especially impressive in summer when the Min River is at full flow. The best vantage point is from the hill near the Erwang Temple, which offers a sweeping view of the Feisha Weir.

Situated along the long dyke downstream of the Fish Mouth Levee, the Feisha Weir may look ordinary, but it plays a massive role in flood discharge and silt removal, serving as a critical line of defense that protects the Chengdu Plain from floods. The hill near the Erwang Temple provides the best panoramic view of the weir. During spring, autumn, and winter, it serves as a paved walkway for people traveling between the Lidi Park and the Suspension Bridge. In flood season, waves crash here, making it part of the inner river’s spillway. Its primary role is to let excess water spill over when the inner river’s volume exceeds the Bao Pingkou’s capacity. In extreme flood conditions, it can even breach on its own, allowing large volumes of water to return to the main Min River. Another vital function is "flying away the sand": the Min River carries large amounts of silt and rocks, which, if left unchecked, would clog the Bao Pingkou and the irrigation area. The Feisha Weir expertly throws these sediments and even boulders weighing thousands of pounds into the outer river (mainly through the clever use of centrifugal force), ensuring the inner river remains clear.

Suggested Duration

10–30 minutes

Transportation

Accessible on foot within the Dujiangyan Scenic Area

Admission Fee

Included in the Dujiangyan Scenic Area ticket (90 RMB)

Location

Within the Dujiangyan Scenic Area, Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province