the First Bend of the Yellow River
Name in Chinese: 唐克 Táng Kè [tæŋ ke]
Duration of Tour: Three hours
Location: Ruo’ergai County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Group Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
Highlights: Photography and Hiking
With a total length of 5,464 km(3,395 miles), the Yellow River rises on the Qinghai-Tiber High Plateau. It nurtured Chinese civilization. The river has nine curves. Tangke Town is located at the first bend of the river. It is inhabited by Tibetans. Tangke is embraced by the vast Ruo’ergai Grassland. The grassland is the largest one in Sichuan Province. It is the home of yaks and a range of wildlife. The Yellow river winds its way on the pasture. The No.1 Bend of the Yellow River lies about 9 km(5.6 miles) from the town. It looks in the shape of the letter “S”. Tangke attracts photographers with its gorgeous landscape.
Travel Tips:
How to Get to the No.1 Bend of the Yellow River
The No.1 Bend of the Yellow River lies in the north part of Sichuan Province. It is 540 km(336 miles) to the north of Chengdu, 273 km(170 miles) to the northwest of Jiuzhaigou Valley, and 106 km(66 miles) to the southwest of Huahu Lake. Tourists usually travel to visit the No.1 Bend of the Yellow River after their tour in Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong National Park.
How to Visit the No.1 Bend of the Yellow River
There is a viewing platform on a hilltop. It provides a panoramic view of the pasture and the curves of the river. Visitors can walk upstairs or take a cable car to the viewing platform. They can also step down to the riverside along the wooden-paved path.
Weather
The temperature in Tangke ranges from minus 12℃(10.4°F) to 4℃(39.2°F) in spring, 2℃(35.6°F) to 13℃(55.4°F) in summer, 6℃(42.8°F) to 18℃(64.4°F) in autumn and minus 8℃(17.6°F) to 6℃(42.8°F) in winter. The best time to visit Tangke is between May and August.
Because the altitude is high, visitors should prepare warm coat and try to decrease the risk of catching a cold, even in the summer.
It is highly suggested to bring a sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness
The altitude of Tangke ranges from 3,400 meters(11,155 feet) to 3,800 meters(12,467) above sea level. Visitor should try to avoid the AMS. Please read more about AMS.
Photography Tips:
The viewing platform overlooks the river and the pasture. It is the most ideal place in the scenic area for taking photos. A tripod, a filter, telephoto lenses and wide angle lenses are needed.
Recommended Tour：
Fifteen-day Sichuan Photography Tour
Related Articles:
Huahu Lake
Jiuzhaigou Valley
Altitude Sickness
Author: Tina Luo
Update:
