The First Bend of Yangtze River



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. The upper reaches of the Yangtze River is named the Jinsha
River, which originates from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The Jinsha River flowed southward along the
Hengduan Mountain ranges and 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.

This extraordinary turn, nearly 180-degrees, creates beautiful and marvelous views that startle the imagination. This bent is considered very
significant because it keeps the Yangtze River flowing through the mid eastern part of China. This mid eastern part of China has been an
economical center since its ancient times and is still today. This first bend forms part of a spectacular view of 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.

At the mountain besides the First Bend of the Yangtze, stands a small town which is named Shigu Town.
That is because, in the town, there is a monument carved in the white marble in the shape of a drum,
whose diameter is 15 m and thickness is 0.7 m. It is for memorizing the victory of the outspread of power
of Baizhuang, the Tusi of Mu Family of Lijiang, during Jiajin years in the Ming Dynasty. As an important
town on the trade route for tea and horses between the inland and Tibet. Shigu Town has flourishing fair
trade, which is very busy and held every three days.

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.