A trip to Nujiang Grand Canyon
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Located in the deep west of Yunnan Province, Nujiang is one of the most important rivers in southwest China.
Flowing from north to south with a total length of 2,800 kilometers, it covers a drainage area of more than 300,000 square kilometers.
With a huge water discharge, the torrents of Nujiang pour down in a never-ending waterfall, carving out one of the world's most outstanding gorges, the Nujiang Grand Canyon.
In today's show, let's follow our guide Da Min to the canyon to enjoy the spectacular natural scenery and rich ethnic culture there.
What you are hearing now is one of the toasting songs of the Lisu ethnic group. As one of China's ethnic minorities, most Lisu people live in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province.
Besides the Lisu, there are at least 10 other ethnic groups living in this prefecture, including the Nu, Dulong, Han, Pumi and Tibetan groups. Collectively, they make up 92 percent of the prefecture's total population.
Covering an area of about 14,000 square meters, the Nujiang Lisu Prefecture is located in the valley of the Hengduan Mountains in northwest Yunnan. Rushing rivers, including Nujiang River, Lancang River, Dulong River and several others cover much of this territory. Actually, the charming scenery of the Nujiang Grand Canyon is unknown to many due to its remoteness, making it more mysterious than other natural spots.
Local resident Chen Jun introduces tourists to his hometown.
"The scenery in my hometown is extremely beautiful and the people here are all very kind and hospitable. We believe the natural beauty of Nujiang River lies in the fact that all the sights are created by natural forces rather than man-made ones."
Zhao Wensheng works at the tourism bureau in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture.
"The Nujiang Grand Canyon is like a book which reveals the human and natural history of the area and from which you get different inspirations through different perspectives."
Nujiang Grand Canyon boasts dozens of extraordinary natural wonders, among which the "Stone Moon" scenic spot is the most fantastic.
Atop the Gaoligong Mountain is a big round cave that from afar looks like a full moon hanging in the sky among the verdant mountains. Through the cave, you can faintly see the entirely imaginary clouds.
During war with Japan in the 1930s, when the General of "Flying Tigers" Claire Chennault and his pilots were performing in the air without the ground-based navigation, they used the "Stone Moon" as a key landmark in navigating.
Because of this significant friendship history between China and the United States, the "Stone Moon" wonder is endowed with its special meaning.
With a total length of 3,200 meters, the Nujiang River, originating from the south foot of Tangula Mountains, Qinghai Province, is flowing through Tibet and Yunnan, across the border to Myanmar and finally into the Indian Ocean.
In winter, usually, most of the steams are slowly flowing along. However, only in the "Tiger Leaping" Gorge, you can see the rapid torrents falling down from high cliffs with imposing power. The roaring river water and sparkling waterfall make travelers feel as if human and nature are merging into one.
The name "Tiger Leaping Gorge" comes from a beautiful legend.
It is said that in ancient times, an evil witch cast a spell on a prince to change him into a tiger. Still, the prince never stopped thinking of his dream girl. One day, he risked his life and jumped down from a high mountain onto the riverbank where the girl lived. The God was deeply touched by his sincerity and changed him back. From then on, the prince and his dream girl lived happily ever after.
Because of the high mountains and fast flowing rivers, there is no bridge connecting the two sides of the river, only iron chains.
In recent years, the use of such chains has become quite common.
Furthermore, this dangerous and thrilling way to cross the river has been included in regular tour packages for adventure travelers. If you have enough courage, you can slide across to the opposite bank with the help of the local people.
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