Baoshan Stone Village Pt. 1

Baoshan Stone Village Pt. 1

The hike from Shangtangliu to Baoshan Stone Village is a dramatic, high-stakes journey through the Jinsha River Gorge, the upper reaches of the mighty Yangtze. The adventure begins with a rugged four-hour drive from Lijiang to a remote homestay perched on a valley edge, serving as the staging post for an 11-km trek. The trail quickly becomes “technical,” clinging to steep cliffs and plunging through two historic tunnels—the 90-meter Tiger Cave and a second 60-meter passage—carved in the 1950s to protect local traders. Emerging from these tunnels reveals a “spectacular” reveal of the gorge, where the path often disappears into landslides of slippy shingle, requiring sturdy footwear and a steady head for heights as hikers navigate the sheer rock faces.

As the trail levels out into dirt roads and passes through welcoming local hamlets, the challenge shifts from the terrain to the intense environmental conditions. Even seasoned hikers find themselves “exhausted” by the combination of the burning sun, high altitude, and extraordinarily dry air, which can necessitate drinking several liters of water just to stay hydrated. The final approach offers a breathtaking view of Baoshan Stone Village, a centuries-old Naxi settlement famously built atop a massive, mushroom-shaped rock surrounded by terraced fields. While the distance is manageable for a day trip, the “utterly stunning” panoramas of the golden river below are hard-earned, making the arrival at the stone-built houses of the village a rewarding conclusion to a physically demanding day.

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DIRECTIONS

1. Arrange Private Transport to Shangtangliu There is no direct public bus to this tiny hamlet. You will need to hire a driver in Lijiang (around 400–600 RMB) or join a small group.

The Drive: Expect a 4-hour journey on “wild,” winding roads with steep drops.

Pro Tip: Ask your driver to take you to Shangtangliu (上唐柳), not just the general Baoshan area.

2. Check-in at a Shangtangliu Homestay Arrive in the late afternoon. These homestays are basic but provide essential high-altitude acclimatization (roughly 2,300m–2,500m) and a hearty Naxi dinner to fuel you for the next day.

3. Locate the Trailhead (Red Ribbons) The path starts at the edge of the village. Look for red ribbons tied to trees or rocks. These are your primary navigation markers. The trail begins with a descent toward the Jinsha (Yangtze) River.

4. Navigate the “Tiger Caves” (Tunnels) A few kilometers in, you will encounter two tunnels carved into the cliffside.

Tunnel 1: 90 meters long.

Tunnel 2: 60 meters long.

Note: While they make the path “safer,” they are dark and narrow. Have a headlamp or phone flashlight ready.

5. Traverse the Landslide Zones Post-tunnel, the path gets “technical.” You will encounter sections where the trail is narrowed by landslides or covered in loose shingle.

Safety First: Take it slow. If the path seems to disappear, stop and scan for the next red ribbon.

6. Rest at a Local Hamlet Around the 7 km mark, you’ll hit a small community. As seen in the script, locals are often welcoming. This is your chance to rest, though you should rely on your own water supply.

7. Conquer the “Dusty Road” Ascent The final stretch involves a climb away from the river on a dirt road. This section is exposed to the sun and very dry. Even if the hiking feels “easy,” the altitude and heat will make you “puffy.”

8. Arrive at Baoshan Stone Village (宝山石头城) You will see the village perched on a mushroom-shaped rock. Descend through the terraced rice fields to enter. Check into a local guesthouse; most are built directly into the stone and offer stunning gorge views.

9. Explore and Exit the Village The village is a maze of stone alleys. After a night’s rest, you can either hike 7 km further to Yanke (as the Drone and Phone team did) or arrange to be picked up directly from the Baoshan parking area.

10. Return to Lijiang The return journey is tricky. You have two options:

The “Private” Way: Have your original driver meet you at the Baoshan parking lot at a set time.

The “Local” Way: There is usually one daily local bus/minivan that leaves Baoshan for Lijiang early in the morning (around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM). Ask your guesthouse host to help you reserve a seat the night before.

GALLERY