Jigong Stone of Jinsha River in Weixi County, Diqing
Location
Location: Jigong Stone (鸡公石) is an island located in the center of the Jinsha River (金沙江) in the village of Liangmei (良美村), Shangjiang Township (上江乡), southwest of Shangri-La County (香格里拉县), approximately 210 kilometers from the county seat. Its unique shape resembles a rooster flapping its wings, giving it the name Jigong Stone. Due to its beautiful scenery, it is often referred to as the “Putuo on the River” (江上普陀).
Description
Description: The island stands at an elevation of 160 meters and covers an area of about 400 square meters. When approaching by boat, visitors are captivated by the lush greenery and pleasant environment that the island offers. The landscape includes several acres of farmland that sustain the riverside residents, adding a pastoral charm. Stone steps carved into the rock lead to the summit, surrounded by sheer cliffs, resembling a masterpiece sculpted by nature.
Historical Significance
Historically, a Guanyin Pavilion (观音阁) stood at the top of Jigong Stone, serving as a sacred site for worshippers. During the Guanyin Festival (观音会), devotees from nearby regions, including Jinjing (金江), Judian (巨甸), Tacheng (塔城), Jianchuan (剑川), Heqing (鹤庆), and Dérong (德荣) in Sichuan, would gather in large numbers, creating a vibrant atmosphere. At this time, operas were performed in the pavilion, allowing attendees to enjoy cultural performances while offering their prayers to Guanyin.
Legend of Jigong Stone
A captivating legend surrounds the origins of Jigong Stone, adding historical and cultural depth to this natural wonder. The story tells of the mountain god of Bayankala (巴颜喀拉山神) who aimed to transform the area from the Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡) to Tacheng into a vast ocean. To achieve this, the mountain god commanded two divine stones to block the river, causing it to overflow.
The stones had until dawn to complete their task. As they traveled from the foot of Bayankala Mountain, they reached Yunnan by midnight. One of the stones, exhausted, paused for rest in Liangmei Village. Sensing the malevolent intent of the mountain god, Guanyin Bodhisattva (观音菩萨) decided to intervene to save the living beings. As the stone rested, she awakened the roosters in Liangmei Village, causing them to crow simultaneously. The divine stones, hearing the crows, lost their power. The resting stone remained there forever, resembling a rooster, thus earning the name Jigong Stone. Due to the popularity of the festival activities, it is also known as the “Putuo on the River.”
Visitor Information
Access and Ticket Information
- Address: Liangmei Village (良美村), Shangjiang Township (上江乡), Shangri-La County (香格里拉县), Diqing Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省).
- Area: Approximately 400 square meters.
How to Get There
- By Boat: Visitors can take a boat ride to Jigong Stone, where they can appreciate its stunning elevation of 160 meters above the river.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The vibrant atmosphere during the Guanyin Festival, which occurs on the 19th day of the second lunar month, is a prime time to experience local culture and festivities.
- Preparation: Bring essentials like water and snacks, as amenities on the island are limited.
- Safety: Be cautious while exploring the rocky areas and follow designated paths to ensure safety while hiking.
