The Stone Drum in Shigu Town, Lijiang

The Stone Drum in Shigu Town

At the river's bend, there stands Stone Drum (Shigu) Town, named after a drum-shaped marble plaque. Built during the Jiaqing era (1548-1561) of the Ming Dynasty, the stone drum is a monument commemorating the victory of Lijiang's Naxi ruler over an invading Tibetan army. It is one point five meters (five feet) in diameter and zero point five meters (two feet) in thickness. The stone drum has an obvious vestige of what appears to be a "rip" in it. It is said that the stone drum would rupture prior to any war and then fold when peace returned.

Throughout time, Stone Drum Town was always a significant and vitally strategic military area where many famous historical events have been taken place. It was here that Zhuge Liang, the famous and highly acclaimed military strategist of the Three Kingdoms Period, chose to cross the Yangtze River and gain "battle advantage" over his opponents. The first emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, Kublai Khan, used this place for his expeditionary forces to ferry across the river. In April 1936, the Second Route of the Red Army, led by General He Long and Ren bishi, crossed the river here and continued to march north. There are memorials here honoring the people whose histories are entwined with the Stone Drum Town.

Attractions Near Stone Drum (Shigu) Town

Baisha Ancient Town

The Baisha Ancient Village is one of the oldest towns in Lijiang City. It got its name “Baisha” meaning “white sand” from the natural white sand in the area. It was the cradle-land of the Tusi Dynasty evolved from the Mu Clan. It was also the earliest settlement of the Naxi people. There are many ancient constructions built in the Ming Dynasty: the Dabaoji Palace, the Liuli Temple and the Wenchang Palace. The well-known Baisha Frescoes are situated in the Dabaoji Palace.

Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Course

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club is one of the icons of China golf. This Kunming golf course is set in the bottom of a valley that faces the famous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain that is 5596 meters (18,360 ft.) high. You can enjoy mountain views from almost every place on this Kunming golf course. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club is situated at 3100 meters (10,800 ft.) above see level, the second highest in the world and the highest in Asia.

Jade Water Village or Yushuizhai in Lijiang

Yushuizhai is under the foot of the Yulong Snow Mountain, facing the ancient city of Lijiang, which is o­nly 15 kilometers from the city. The sacred water out of the Yushui Village brings up a generation after generation, giving them courage, wisdom and happiness.

Black Dragon Pool

Black Dragon Pool (also Heilongtan), or Jade Spring(Yuquan) Park is the main headwater of the Yushui River which goes through the Old Town. People believe that the gods of the Naxi people are living in the chestnut woods, beside the mouth of springs, behind the carved doors and below the bridges. The springs come from the god-protected mountains and gather in this place and finally form the dragon pool. Then water goes down a waterfall and becomes the Yuhe River, pouring life to the Old Town.

Dongba Valley

A trekking route leads to the amazing Dongba Valley. It is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and 15 kilometers away from Lijiang Old Town. The Dongba Valley is home and livelihood of Naxi people. Traditional houses of Naxi and other peoples are open to visit.

Admission Fee:￥230

Opening Hours:6:00-18:00 (May 1st to Oct. 31st); 6:30-18:00 (Nov. 1st to Apr. 30)

Attraction Transportation:Because there is no public bus, tourists need to charter a taxi / car/ mini-van or carpool together from the downtown area. The distance is around 10 miles (15 kilometers). It takes around 40 minutes. The round-trip charter rate is around CNY 200.

Shigu Ancient Town Accommodation

Stone Drum (Shigu) Town is just one of Lijiang’s many landmarks to discover. Usually the recommended time for a visit is about 1-2 hours. So most of the tourists will not choose to stay at Shigu Town for overnight but go back to Lijiang or continue to Shangrila city. You can browse the accommodation part of Lijiang or Shangrila to check the best hotels we recommend for you. Anyhow, there are some Shigu Town local guesthouses introduced to you.

How to get to Stone Drum Town

In the bus station or some main hotels in the Lijiang Old Town, there is special tour bus to Shigu Ancient Town (Yangtze River First Bend), or people can take bus to Weixi or Shigu Ancient Town.

1. Take regular bus from Lijiang Bus Station to Weixi. It passes by Stone Drum Town. The mountain where the town is located is one of the best view points to enjoy the First Bend.
2. Take private minivans from Jinkai Square in Lijiang. It costs around CNY 20 per person.
3. The bus from Lijiang to Shangri-La passes by several viewing platforms for the First Bend.

Travel Tips

● The temperature difference is big between day and night, especially when it is rain. You should take some thick and long sleaves with you to prevent getting cold. Do not forget to prepare some Cold medicine and intestinal medicine.

●As Lijiang is located on plateau, the ultraviolet (uv) radiation is very strong that you should bring sunhat and sun scream with you.