To See The Splendid First River Bend in Shigu Town of Lijiang

Yangtze River Yangtze River tour originates from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and surges to Hengduan Mountain Range (in Yunnan) from Batang County. When Yangtze River reaches to Shigu Town of Lijiang, unusual geological phenomenons force thr river to make a sudden V-shaped bend and flow to the northeast. This turn, nearly 180 degrees, create very splendid natural view. This turn is called "First Bend of Yangtze River".
Shigu is the best place to oversee the first bend. Shigu (Stone Drum) Town China tour deals with hilly backstreets and alleys is small and quaint. About 50 kilometers from Lijiang, Shigu was named after a stone drum-shaped stone tablet. As a part of the ancient tea-horse route, the town was once the first night stop for travelers back after leaving Lijiang. Everu three days, various ethnic minorites will throng into this place during market. With a lot of history, the town can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty which was apparently places by Kublai Khan.
Shigu is the important transportation hub between Yunnan and Tibet while till now it is still the strategic passage to Kangding and Tibet. According to local history, the villagers once helped the Red Army across the Yangtze and a monument recording this event can be seen on the hilltop area, so the town is designated as one route of red China tourism.
I once visited the town in spring. The whole town is surrounded by various kinds of flowers like cole flowers, peach flowers, plum blossom, pear flowers and so on. You can try to taste some very recommended snacks like Salad of Jidou pea jelly, block bait, rice pudding and so on. You can also take a boat at Shigu Bay to experience Yangtze River but the fee for taking boat is a little high. If you want to see the sunset of the first bend, you can climb a small hill behind the town.
Some travel-lovers said that it waste time and money to visit this place because they only can see a piece of land. But some others think it worths a visit after Lijiang China best tours. Many others nearby attractions like Tiehong Bridge and Rock Gate ensure you a very exciting trip.
from: http://www.sooperarticles.com/travel-articles/travel-leisure-articles/see-splendid-first-river-bend-shigu-town-lijiang-1300500.html