29-Jul-2004 -- 27 N – 100 E Yunnan, China

Visit Date: July 29, 2004

This is the first attempt for a confluence point in Yunnan for the Yip-Bannicq group. Both Tara, and her good friend, Danielle Hamel were first-time hunters. It is unfortunate that we only got within 5 km from the object of our hunt.

During our trip to the northeastern part of Yunnan, in an area officially called the Shangri La, we were hoping to do one line hunting. We crossed the 28th and 29th degree of latitude during our short venture into Tibet, but the terrain of tall mountains and deep gorges made it not very feasible to go after a confluence point.

Toward the end of our journey, we were heading to the ancient town called Lijiang, it appeared that the location of 27N-100E was more accessible. In fact, it is located not too far from the bend near the Jingsha River making a sharp turn and changing its course from going south to going north. Jingsha River later becomes the famous Yangzi River, and this particular river bend is called “first bend of the Yangzi River”.

We were able to drive along a major highway following the Jingsha River and reached 100E at the eastern side of the confluence point (photo 1). At this location, the straight-line distance was 5.5 km from the CP, and it would have required going over a mountain about 1500 meters above the river. There was no obvious trail going toward that direction, so we decided to go around the bend of the river, and see if approaching from the west would be more feasible.

After a quick lunch in a small town located at the first bend of the Yangzi (photo 2), we came to the closest point to the confluence by car, which was 4.9 km away.

Completing this hunt would have required taking a ferry to go to the nearest village from the CP (photo 3). Approaching from the west still would require us to go over a mountain range which is over 1200 meters, but the slope seemed to be more reasonable in comparison with the approach from the east. Judging from the terrain, it could require 6-7 hours to complete the 10 km track, not counting the ferry crossing time.

Clearly this was not a task for first-time hunters. We headed to Lijiang without crossing the river to take a closer look.

To reach this CP, we recommend the approach from the west (see GPS map on photo 4). It will require staying overnight at the village (4km) from the CP to get an early start. It would be wise to plan on a whole day for the hunt. It is best to do it in the winter month, or at least not in the rainy season. From Lijiang, there are mini buses able to reach the ferry landing, and it will take about 1 and a half hour.

For Tara and Danielle, an easier line hunting trip could be waiting for them.

Lijiang is a popular stop for that visit Yunnan. We recommend the Shangri La area 2 hours north Lijiang for the wonderful outdoor and colorful Tibetan culture for the future line-hunters coming to Yunnan.