In Shigu Town, about 50 kilometers away from Lijiang City, the rolling Yangtze River is blocked by cliffs and quickly turns into a "V" - shaped bend, which is the famous first bay of the Yangtze River. The river here is as gentle as a mirror, with green mountains and neatly arranged farmland and villages on both sides resembling water towns in Jiangnan. The scenery on the plateau is amazing.
On the way to Shangri La on National Highway 214, you will pass by here. If you are renting a car or driving by yourself, you can stop here and take a photo. However, due to the large area of the first bay of the Yangtze River, it is impossible to see the whole picture from a low position. The superior location for photographing the first bay of the Yangtze River is on the high mountain behind Shigu Town.
Not far from entering Shigu Town, there is a Shigu Yangtze River First Bay Observation Deck Inn by the roadside. His family has an observation deck, which takes about 10 minutes to climb up and costs about 5 yuan. Most tourists come here. In fact, this is not a very good viewing location, and it is difficult to appreciate the atmosphere of the first bay of the Yangtze River from a nearly horizontal angle.
The superior location of the first bay of the Yangtze River is on the mountaintop behind the inn. The owner has opened a small path on the mountain and charges a guide fee to take tourists up the mountain. It takes about 2 hours to climb up, which is very difficult and easy to get lost. Usually departing 3 hours before dawn, the atmosphere and shock of overlooking the first bay of the Yangtze River from the mountaintop are self-evident. In addition to taking photos, you can also participate in the first bay drifting of the Yangtze River at the Shigu stall in Shigu Town. You can purchase tickets and contact them online in advance.
The location of the First Bay of the Yangtze River is also an important transportation hub for tourism in Lijiang. To the north, you can reach Liming, Liguang, Judian, and Tacheng. To the west, you can reach Laojunshan Scenic Area. Along the Jinsha River, you can also reach Tiger Leaping Gorge. If you charter a car to go there, you can visit several scenic spots together.
Travel Tips
Address: The First Bay of the Yangtze River, Shigu Town, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City
Telephone: 0888-5194338
Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00
Admission ticket : 0 yuan