At the First Bend in the Yangtze River (Cháng Jiāng Dìyī Wān, 长江第一湾), the south-running waters suddenly turn back north because of a massive V-shape in the nearby mountain range.

The richness of the river gathered people and the village of Shigu (Shígǔ, 石鼓) came into being upon the fertile soil deposited by the river. This town has been important stop on the trade route between Yunnan and Tibet and for centuries has been a meeting point for local peoples. Tibetans bring their quality fell, hide and herbal medicine to market and take back necessities like salt, tea and cloth. Several times a month, the still active market makes little Shigu into a lively place as traders come into town.

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