The First Bend Of Yangsze River
The First Bend Of yangsze River is located on the north side of the highway leading from Dali to Lijiang ,about 70KM far from Lijiang city.
According to historical accounts,The jinshajiang River in olden times flowed southward along the Hengduan Mountain ranges and was forced to the turn to north because of the Alpine movement which caused changes in the earth's physiognomy,When the river reaches Shigu township,it makes an abrupt tunr and flows further northward,forming the marvelous view reputed as The First Bend of Yangsze River.
On the hill as the river bend stands the small Shigu(stone drum)Township.it is so called because of existence of a drum-like stone tablet.It is1.5m in diametre,70mm.in thickness,being the memorial tablet making the victory of teritorrial expansion of Lijiang's local ruler Baichun,surnamed Mu,in the 27th to 40th year of the Jiaqing era of the Ming Dynasty(1548-1561).It is one of the earliest stone tablets hitherto found at Lijiang.
The river is broadened at the bend and flows slowly.The famous historical event,such as"Zhuge Liang"s crossing the Lushui River in the Fifth Month",Kublai Khan's "crossing the River on Leather rafts" all chose this place as a ferry>In May 1936,the Red Army Leaders Helong,Ren Bishi and Guan Xianying led the second Route red Army to march north ,crossing the river also at this plase.At present,a slendid memorial tablet marking the victorious crossing is erected here.