Dujiangyan Blue Tears – How to Visit the Glowing River from Chengdu (2026)!

One of the things I was most excited to see in China was the viral Dujiangyan Blue Tears.

This is a magical spectacle near Chengdu, where the Minjiang River is lit up at night, making it glow. 

It looks otherworldly, like something from a fantasy world and will leave you utterly enchanted. 

You have to see it with your own eyes to believe it’s real and not artificially generated. It’s even more ethereal in person. 

Here is a complete guide on how to visit Dujiangyan’s Blue Tears in China and what to expect.

What are China’s Blue Tears?

The Blue Tears in China refer to the glowing blue river that flows through  Dujiangyan City in Sichuan Province. 

It’s famous for the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2000 years of history.

This is the oldest surviving hydraulic engineering system in the world, constructed around 256 BC.

There are artificial blue lights that illuminate the fast-flowing water here and make it glow, hence the name “Blue Tears”.

It’s a man-made effect, not a natural phenomenon like bioluminescent plankton, but it’s still utterly breathtaking to witness. 

You have to visit while travelling through China, and it makes an easy day trip from Chengdu. 

Why visit Dujiangyan?

Most tourists visit Dujiangyan from Chengdu as a day trip, as there is plenty to do there to keep you busy beyond the Blue Tears. 

You can explore the Guanxian Ancient Town, visit Zhongshuge Bookstore, and take a photo with the giant panda statue in Yangtianwo Square.

Then, end your magical day with dinner by the Minjiang River and admire the Dujiangyan Blue Tears from either Nanqiao or Tianfuyuan Bridge.

You could even spend the night here. With more time, you could add on a trip to the Panda Base or Mount Qingcheng.

How to visit Dujiangyan Blue Tears

A lot of people advertise the Blue Tears as something to do in Chengdu, and this is partially correct, as it’s still technically part of the city.

But it’s good to note that the Blue Tears are actually located in Dujiangyan, which is 60 kilometres away from Chengdu city centre. 

You can easily visit Dujiangyan from Chengdu by either train or taxi:

• By Train: Take the train from Xipu Station to Dujiangyan Railway Station (approx 30 minutes). Then, take a DiDi to the Blue Tears. You can book train tickets through Trip.com.

• By Taxi: For comfort, you can take a Didi all the way from Chengdu. This also allows you to remain flexible. It will take around 60 to 90 minutes, and trips are affordable. I did this and paid around ¥100 (£11). You can book trips through Alipay. 

What time do the Dujiangyan Blue Tears light up?

Dujiangyan Blue Tears light up around 5.30 pm in winter and 7.30 pm in summer.

But the best time to see Dujiangyan Blue Tears is an hour after sunset, when the sky is completely dark.

You could visit for sunset itself, but I feel you’ll be waiting around for the blue water to glow. 

Visiting at night will give you that wow factor. The Blue Tears after dark are honestly so magical to witness.

As this place is popular and often goes viral on social media, it can get incredibly crowded. 

I would visit on a weekday rather than a weekend and avoid public holidays for a more pleasant experience. 

Arriving in Dujiangyan

As soon as you arrive in Dujiangyan, you’ll see the glowing blue river that snakes through the old town.

There are pathways on either side of the riverbank that allow you to walk beside the water and observe the 2000-year-old irrigation system. 

On the walk, you’ll encounter three historic bridges that allow you to cross over the river to witness Dujiangyan’s Blue Tears. 

The most famous are the Nanqiao Bridge (South Bridge) and the Tianfuyuan Bridge. 

Walking across Tianfuyuan Bridge

The best place to see and capture China’s Blue Tears (in my opinion) is from the historic Tianfuyuan Bridge. 

This is a majestic covered walkway in the heart of the ancient town, where the glowing water splits in two. 

The architecture of this bridge is an attraction in itself with its elaborate carvings and calligraphy. 

It was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty in 1876, but its history dates back to the Tang Dynasty over a thousand years ago. 

When you walk through the covered footbridge, you’ll pass under painted archways with colourful murals. 

It’s often called a “waterborne palace” as it’s so grand. It will feel like you’ve travelled back in time or to another universe entirely. 

There are also plenty of places on this bridge for you to look out and admire the famous Blue Tears. 

The Blue Tears of the Minjiang River

I don’t think any photos or videos can really do the Dujiangyan Blue Tears justice. 

I had seen countless posts on social media of this place before my visit, and I have had it on my bucket list for years.

But seeing this incredible place with my own eyes was another thing entirely. It’s utterly breathtaking and magical to witness. 

The water is such a vivid teal and looks like it’s glowing. It felt like something from a fantasy world or another galaxy, and I was enraptured. 

I couldn’t stop watching the glimmering waves, and the entire place left me mesmerised.

Photography tips 

There are plenty of places to capture Dujiangyan’s Blue Tears, but the best are found on and around Tianfuyuan Bridge.  

Unfortunately, on my visit, they had closed half the riverbank for construction. So, my options were limited.

You’ll find great photo spots in front of the bridge at either end from the panoramic viewing platforms.

Also, on the bridge itself, there are balconies that overlook the Blue Tears that make a great photo frame. 

In the middle of the bridge, you’ll find a walkway that allows you to stroll through where the water splits in two. 

This is really aesthetic, as you have glowing water on either side of the path, but it is an incredibly busy area packed with people.  

You’ll find photographers here all evening with huge lighting rigs set up to take photos for clients.

This is the only downside of visiting Tianfuyuan Bridge. People will constantly hassle you with their iPads to offer you a photoshoot.  

Is Dujiangyan Blue Tears worth visiting? 

Yes, I definitely think that Dujiangyan Blue Tears are worth visiting in China. 

This was one of the most mind-blowing things I experienced on my travels; I honestly couldn’t believe what I was seeing was real.

This glowing blue river looks like something from another world and left me utterly captivated.

Don’t skip Dujiangyan’s Blue Tears in China; it’s an enchanting evening that will take your breath away.

How long to spend at Dujiangyan?

You could easily spend the entire day in Dujiangyan, as it’s a gorgeous place with lots to see. 

Some even stay overnight to explore attractions like Mount Qingcheng or the Panda Base. 

But, if you only want to visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Blue Tears, I would say you need anything from 1 to 3 hours. 

You can explore the rest of the ancient town or have dinner at the many restaurants perched by the river to make the most of the evening.

Opening times & entry fees

Dujiangyan River is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, along with its historic bridges.

However, the ‘Blue Tears’ only happen in the evening. In summer, it lights up around 7.30 pm and in winter around 5.30 pm. 

Remember, for the best experience and glow, arrive when the sky is completely dark.

The lights typically switch off between 10 pm and midnight, depending on the season.  

It’s also completely free to visit Dujiangyan Blue Tears in China. Making it a great budget activity. 

Important tips for Dujiangyan Blue Tears

• The best time to witness China’s Blue Tears is an hour after sunset; this is when the sky is completely dark, and the tears really glow. 

• It can be very crowded here, so make sure to come with patience for photos and videos. 

• I visited on a Friday evening, and there was a lot of drunken rowdiness. China is super safe, so it wasn’t a big deal, but it’s best to stay aware.

• The lights usually switch off between 10 pm and midnight, but it can be later in the summer. 

• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

• It’s best to check the weather forecast before you go, as it’s all outdoors. Try to avoid visiting on rainy days. 

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