The First Bend of the Yangtze

The First Bend of the Yangtze River is located on the north side of the highway leading from Dali to Lijiang, about 70 km. from lijiang Town. Yangtze River, considered the mother river of China, flows majestically through the center of China and is the third longest river in the world.

Marvelous views from Shigu Township

The upper reaches of the Yangtze River is named the Jinsha River, which originates from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The Jinsha River surges southeast ward until it meets the Hengduan Mountain Range. About 44 miles outside of Lijiang, Jinsha River was forced to the turn to north because of the Alpine movements which caused changes in the earth's physiognomy.

When the river reaches Shigu Township, it makes an abrupt turn and flows further northward, forming the rare V-shape bend and flow to the northeast. This extraordinary turn, nearly180 degrees, creates beautiful and marvelous views that startle the imagination.

What to see

The First Bend of the Yangtze River

Here, the river is wide and the water flows in a gentle, slow pace. Large willow trees grow luxuriously alongside the river that is banked on both sides with lush, fertile deep green vegetation and immense, steep mountains that rise up from the river to touch the clouds in the blue sky above. The whole sight is like a wonderful landscape painting that never ends. This is the First Bend of the Yangtze River - a world-famous geological phenomenon and an extraordinary panoramic scene whose vistas you will long remember with great pleasure.

Stone Drum (Shigu) Town

On the mountain at the river's bend stands Stone Drum (Shigu) Town. This ancient town is named after a drum-shaped marble plaque. Built during the Jiaqing era (1548 - 1561) of the Ming Dynasty, the stone drum is a monument commemorating the victory of Lijiang's Naxi ruler over an invading Tibetan army. It is one point five meters (five feet) in diameter and zero point five meters (two feet) in thickness. The stone drum has an obvious vestige of what appears to be a "rip" in it. It is said that the stone drum would rupture prior to any war and then fold when peace returned.

Market day in Shigu Town

Since ancient times, this town has been important, linking Tibet with the outside world. Here Tibetan people bring their quality fell, hide and herbal medicine and take home tea, salt, cloth and other necessities. When market day comes, the town is incredibly crowded and noisy.

What happend in Shigu Town

Battle during Three Kingdoms Period

Throughout time, Stone Drum Town was always a significant and vitally strategic military area where many famous historical events have been taken place. It was here that Zhuge Liang, the famous and highly acclaimed military strategist of the Three Kingdoms Period, chose to cross the Yangtze River and gain "battle advantage" over his opponents.
 

Expedition during Yuan Dynasty

The first emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, Kublai Khan, used this place for his expeditionary forces to ferry across the river.

 

Expedition in April 1936

In April 1936,the Second Route of the Red Army, led by General He Long and Ren bishi, crossed the river here and continued to march north. There are memorials here honoring the people whose histories are entwined with the Stone Drum Town.

Enjoy lingering here

This whole area abounds with attractive stories and dazzling visions. Stone Drum Town, together with the First Bend of the Yangtze River, and so many other spots nearby such as the Tiehong Bridge and Rock Gate ensure that a trip here will be an exciting one that you will greatly enjoy.

When to visit

• Recommended time for a visit: One hour

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