The Nujiang River originates from Jirepaige on the southern slope of the Tanggula Mountain Range. Its upper reach is called "Naqu" by Tibetans, which means the black river. It flows on to Qinatong in Gongshan County, Yunnan Province, where it is called the Nujiang River by the Chinese, and "Numigua" in the Nu language, which also means the black river. Lying between the 4000m high Bilou Mountain and the 5000m high Gaoligong Mountain, it is a 300m long valley with 40 odd degree slopes on both sides, where minority groups like the Lisus, the Nus, the Dulongs, the Bais and the Zangs settle. These peoples have developed farmlands, houses, churches and cable river crossings along the river, adapting their life to the adverse living conditions in this gorgeous valley.
There are no boats on the Nujiang River. Instead, people travel by overhead cable. In order to improve its people's life, the government of Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture is going to build a bridge across the river so that its people can reach the other side safely. The primitive cable crossings will soon become an activity for adventurous travellers only. In this programme, we are going to grasp the last chance to witness the exciting journey in which courageous villagers and their livestock glide across the surging waves to go to the market. The "cable doctor" will show us how he takes care of his patients and tell us more about the changes in village life. Two generations of blacksmiths making tailor-made metal hooks for the cable will also demonstrate how they make this important tool for everyone in the village.
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