Shigu Town(石鼓镇), named after a drum-shaped stone which was made of a white marble in the town, is located in the west of Lijiang Old Town. The town was used to be an important military stronghold, as well as a key link connecting Yunnan and Tibet. Yet, it is still a traffic hub for travelers to enter Tibetan-inhabited area via Yunnan.

The First Bay of Yangtze River, a famous scenic spot renowned for its grandness, is seated between Shigu Town of Lijiang and Songbi Town of Shangri-La. As Yangtze River made a 270-degree turn there, Shigu Town is recognized as an optimum location to admire the scenery.

Travelers head west for about 70 kilometers from Lijiang, and then can see the First Bay of Yangtze River. Jinsha River (the upstream of Yangtze River), looking like a swirling silk ribbon, flows down from arduous mountains. Trees and rice fields along the river make the river become even more charming.

Shigu Town was built on the foot of these mountains in picturesque disorder, with a stone path passing through the town and various shops distributing along roadsides in line. The town is quiet and peaceful.

Shigu Town is quite small, but it was of great military importance in history. It witnessed a lot of famous historical events all along.

He Long, a famous militarist in China, once leaded the Red Army to cross Jinsha River during Anti-Japanese War in the town. To memorize this day, a monument still stands on a hill beside the town.

There is a time-honored temple in Shigu Town. The drum-shaped stone stands in the temple. Guo Moruo(郭沫若), a famous litterateur in China, visited the temple in 1963. He was greatly marveled at the temple, and wrote a couplet, which was hung on the corridor of the temple by local villagers.

Shigu Town was also used to be a trade center on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, with a profound history of street market. Stands still gather along roadsides, selling all kinds of goods. The street market runs every three days, and is still popular nowadays. Travelers can see a lot of local aged residents who wear featured costumes of Naxi people in streets.

There is also a wharf beside the Yangtze Rive. Travelers can ride a boat to admire beautiful landscapes on both sides, or go to the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge to see sceneries of Yulong Snow Mountain and Meili Snow Mountain.

Bus ticket from Lijiang to Shigu Town is 10 yuan per person. Buses heading for Judian(巨甸), Weixi(维西) and Liming(黎明) are all available, which provide great convenience for travelers.

Departing from Lijiang and driving in the direction of Shangri-La for about 47 kilometers, travelers can see a fork on the road, and take the left track to Shigu Town.

Travelers are recommended to lodge in Lijiang, since it is not far from Shigu Town.

Frog skin, a kind of tree bark which looks like frog skin in local people’s eyes, is a famous cuisine in the locality. Besides, various ethnic snacks in the town are also worth trying.