The Yangtze River, Lijiang is one of the most popular Tourist Attractions in Lijiang. One of the most scenic spots of Yangtze River, Lijiang is its first bend. The First Bend of the Yangtze River is located at a distance of approximately 70 km to the north of the highway that leads from Dali to Lijiang. The upper reaches of the Yangtze River is called the Jinsha River, which originates in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The Jinsha River flows southward along the Hengduan Mountain ranges and then takes a sharp turn to north due to the Alpine movements which caused changes in the earth's physiognomy. As soon as the Yangtze River, Lijiang reaches Shigu Township, it makes an abrupt hairpin turn and flows further northward, forming a rare V-shape bend.
At the very spot of the First Bend of the Yangtze River stands the small Shigu (stone drum) Township atop a hill. This township is so named because of the existence of a drum like stone tablet there. This stone tablet has a diameter of 1.5 m and is 70 mm. thick. This stone tablet is of immense historical significance and it marks the victory of territorial expansion of Lijiang's local ruler Baichuan in the 27th to 40th year of the Jiaqing era of the Ming Dynasty (1548-1561). Baichuan was surnamed Mu. This stone tablet is one of the earliest stone tablets hitherto found at Lijiang.
The Yangtze River in Lijiang broadens up at the bend and flows slowly from thereon. The Yangtze River, Lijiang has been a site of many important historical happenings, especially the site of its first bend. It is here that Zhuge Liang crossed the Lushni River in the Fifth Month and Kublai Khan crossed the River on Leather Rafts. Also, the historical even of the Red Army leaders He Long, Ren Bishi and Guan Xianying leading the Second Route Red Army to march north, crossed the river at this place in May 1936. Even today you can see a splendid memorial tablet that had been erected here to mark the victorious crossing.
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