Stone Drum Town

Situated at the intersection of Jinsha River and Chongjiang River, about 28 kilometers from Lijiang, Stone Drum Town is well-proportioned according to the mountains. Paved with gray slates, the whole town appears rather peaceful. It is a reputed historical and cultural village where occurred many famous historical events.

The Origin of  Name

Named after a drum-shaped marble plaque, Stone Drum Town was built during the Jiaqing era (1548 - 1561) of the Ming Dynasty. As a monument commemorating the victory of Lijiang’s Naxi ruler over an invading Tibetan army, the stone drum is 1.5 meters (five feet) in diameter and 0.5 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.

What happened in this town?

Stone Drum Town had performed a significant and vitally strategic military area in history. Dating back to the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280), the famous military strategist Zhu Geliang had conducted an event here. He chose to cross the Yangtze River and gain "battle advantage" over his opponents. 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.

What to See

Owing to the river’s bend, the town can be as delicate as water. Here, large willow trees grow luxuriously alongside the river that is banked on both sides with lush, fertile deep green vegetation and immense, steep mountains that rise up from the river to touch the clouds in the blue sky above. The whole sight is like a wonderful landscape painting that never ends. This is the world-famous geological phenomenon and an extraordinary panoramic scene - First Bend of the Yangtze River.

What to Buy

Since ancient times, the town has been important which has linked Tibet with the outside world. Tibetan people would like to bring their quality fell, hide and herbal medicine and take home tea, salt, cloth and other necessities here for sale. When market day comes, the town is incredibly crowded and noisy.

Legend

Stone Drum Town is abounding with amazing legends. Legend has it that there were treasures concealed by Wood Heavenly King with a riddle left. It is said the one can own the Lijiang once he doped out the result.