Erwang Temple, Dujiangyan

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Erwang Temple
© Timothy Tye (19 October 2005)

Erwang, temple honoring the Dujiangyan engineers

Your base for this destination is the city of Chengdu. For travel information about Chengdu, go to Chengdu Travel Guide

Erwang Temple, at the foot of Mount Yulei, was built to commemorate Li Bing and his son, the two engineers who built the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, for their achievements in harnessing the forces of the Minjang River. Erwang Temple was first built during the time of the South-North Dynasty and was named Chongde Temple.

After the Five Dynasties period (707-960AD), Li Bing and his son were bestowed the title of princes during the Song Dynasty. The temple was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty, and was renamed Erwang Temple, meaning Temple of Two Princes. The temple gets its shape according to the contours of Mount Yulei, floor after floor.

Erwang Temple is a grand and beautiful temple in a verdant setting surrounded by ancient trees. The environment is quiet and serene. The statues of Li Bing and Er Lang are found in the big hall and back hall. Li Bing's instructions on controlling the water are carved in the stone wall. Among these inscriptions are as follows: "Dredge the sand deeper and build the dam lower", "Take away the capes where the river curves, and dig the middle of the riverbed deep where the river does not curve".

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