Nujiang Grand Canyon Zip Line

　　   Zip lines serve as the main means of transport for the ethnic minorities living in the Nujiang Grand Canyon. They are a symbol of humanity’s ability to reshape and overcome nature, showcasing the fearless, brave, and resilient spirit of these communities. In recent years, zip lines have evolved from simple transportation tools into traditional ethnic sporting events that demonstrate the strength of will among various peoples. There are various types of crossings, including single-person, double-person, mixed-gender pairs, person-and-object, and even person-and-animal. It has become one of the most thrilling sights in the Nujiang Grand Canyon. The ropes used include yak hair ropes, rattan ropes, and steel cables. Crossers secure bamboo or wooden sleds, or specially designed seats, to the rope and use the slope of the line to glide across to the other side. In the past, ethnic groups such as the Tibetans, Lisu, Nu, and Derung, who lived along the Jinsha River, Nujiang River, and Lancang River, frequently used zip lines to cross. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, with the development of transportation infrastructure in ethnic minority regions, most zip lines have been replaced by bridges, with only a very few remaining in remote areas.

　　   Abroad, indigenous peoples in the Andes Mountains of Peru also use zip lines as a river-crossing tool.