The First Bend of the Yangtze River is a spectacular geographical feature located in Shigu Town,Yunnan Province.Here are some key details about this iconic site:

Location and Geography

• Position:It is situated on the north side of the highway leading from Dali to Lijang,approximately 70 kilometers from Lijiang Town.The upper reaches of the Yangtze River,known as the Jinsha River,originate from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and flow southward along the Hengduan Mountain ranges.At Shigu,the river makes a dramatic 110-degree turn within a distance of just 1 kilometer,heading northeast and forming a V-shaped bend.

• Altitude:The bend is about 2,000 meters above sea level.

Scenic and Cultural Highlights

• Panoramic Views:The most iconic vantage points for capturing the bend are on the hillsides overlooking the river.There are also special viewing decks built along the No.308 provincial road,which offer grand views of the Yangtze River.

• Historical Significance:Shigu Town has been an important trading post linking Tibet with the outside world since ancient times.It has witnessed significant historical events,such as Zhuge Liang’s crossing during the Three Kingdoms period,Kublai Khan’s crossing in 1253,and the Red Army’s crossing in 1936.

• Local Culture:The area is rich in Naxi culture,with vibrant markets and traditional restaurants offering authentic local cuisine.

Travel Tips

• Transportation:You can reach Shigu Town by taking a shuttle bus from Lijiang’s center bus station,which takes about 2 hours.Alternatively,you can charter a car or join a guided tour.

• Best Time to Visit:The recommended visiting seasons are autumn and summer.Autumn has a pleasant climate,while summer offers the comfort of tree shade.

• Activities:Besides sightseeing,you can engage in activities such as hiking,boating,and shopping at local markets.

The First Bend of the Yangtze River is not only a geographical marvel but also a place steeped in history and culture,making it a must-see destination for travelers in Yunnan.

Yuhu Village (玉湖村) is a traditional Naxi settlement nestled at the southern foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, about 15–20 km north of Lijiang Old Town. Often called “the first village under the snow-capped mountain,” it sits at roughly 2,700–3,200 m above sea level and is reached by a 30–40-minute taxi or shuttle ride (¥60–80 taxi; ¥10 public tourism shuttle) .

What makes it special

Architecture: Houses are built from a local “monkey-head” stone (a mix of rock and dried earth) with cobble-stone lanes; many rooftops display small wooden fish—an old Naxi talisman against fire .

Scenery: Jade Lake (玉湖), an artificial Ming-era reservoir, mirrors the snow mountain; morning light turns the water turquoise and gold .

Joseph Rock’s former home: The Austrian-American botanist/Nat-Geo explorer lived here 1922-49; his wooden residence is now a small museum (¥10) filled with period photos and plant specimens .

Activities: horse treks on the old Tea-Horse trail (¥68–168), Dongba papermaking workshop (¥88), sunrise hike to Dripping-Water Rock, and new-wave cafés serving high-altitude coffee .

Quiet authenticity: Despite rising visitor numbers (summer 2025 daily >1,500), the village retains a slower, rural feel compared with Lijiang or Shuhe; cars stop at the gate, so you explore on foot .

Practical notes

Open all day; no ticket for the village itself, but a ¥30 environmental fee is collected on the shuttle and some checkpoints .

Dress in layers—temperatures swing sharply under the glacier—and bring sun protection (UV is strong at 3,000 m) .

Combine with Baisha or Jade-Dragon Snow Mountain scenic spots; 3–5 h is enough for a relaxed visit, or stay overnight in one of the stone-inn courtyards .

In short, Yuhu offers cobble-stone lanes, stone houses glowing against snow peaks, a slice of Naxi daily life, and the lingering spirit of Joseph Rock—all within an easy half-day hop from Lijiang.