Dujiangyan is one of the gems of Sichuan Province, known for its ancient irrigation system, breathtaking scenery, venerable temples and extravagant bio-diversity. Tourism is its life's blood, reports Victoria Fei.

After the earthquake epicenter Wenchuan, the most grievously damaged site in Sichuan is the international tourism magnet of Dujiangyan near Chengdu, the capital.

Dujiangyan, known as a "Longevity Land" for its healthy long-lived seniors, is the place where nearly 3,090 people perished, 10,560 people were injured and 80 percent of downtown houses were destroyed or damaged in the 8.0-magnitude earthquake on May 12.

Many historic sites sustained major damage. The city's economic loss immediately after the quake was estimated at more than 50 billion yuan (US$7.3 million).

Today, the "City of Longevity" is looking ahead. Recovery is underway. Survivors have moved to temporary housing, classes have resumed, infrastructure is being rebuilt and long-term reconstruction is being planned.

Tourism, however, is Dujiangyan's life blood. And tourism is what the city of 630,000 people needs to rebuild. The entire Dujiangyan area covers 1,200 square kilometers and contains wonders of history and nature.

"Tourism represents half the city's economy. Usually, there are 3 million visitors a year," says Cui Wei, an official of the Tourism Bureau of Dujiangyan City.

"Today, most visitors to scenic spots are locals and people from Chengdu and Chongqing. They're trying to give life to the tourism industry."

The city is most famous for the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, the world's oldest functioning irrigation system, dating back 2,500 years. It sustained only minor damage.