Laojun Rapids

　　Laojun Rapids is situated where the Jinsha River flows between Luheli and Pumei in Huili County and Tanshan Township in Luquan County, Yunnan. It is the first and most dangerous rapid on the entire Yangtze River, known as the “King of Rapids.” The thunderous roar of the “Rapids King” can be heard from as far as 10 li away. As you approach it, the deafening sound drowns out all human voices, making mankind — the supposed masters of the universe — feel utterly insignificant. It is precisely because of this that curious people around the world are eager to witness the might of the “Rapids King.”

　　The Jinsha River water that flows gently and peacefully along the edge of Huangcaoping Village suddenly plummets when it enters the gorge, accelerating dramatically. Obstructed by scattered rocks, the river surges like a tiger descending a mountain — wild, turbulent, and sending up showers of spray. This is the very image of “raging waves crashing against the shore, jagged rocks piercing the sky, churning up thousands of heaps of snow...”

　　Laojun Rapids stretches 4.63 kilometers in length, featuring seven cascading levels of dangerous rapids with a total drop of 41.3 meters. The rapids are filled with rocks of various sizes, while the surrounding cliffs on both banks are as steep and sheer as if hewn by axe and knife — precipitous and majestic.

　　A magical and fascinating legend is passed down around the area of Laojun Rapids

　　Long, long ago, there was a golden carrying pole hidden within Laojun Rapids that shone brilliantly every night. When the Dragon King of the East Sea learned of it, he led his shrimp soldiers and crab generals up the river in an attempt to seize the golden pole.

　　The news spread quickly. The Turtle King, who lived on Turtle Mountain south of the river, led thousands of turtles of all sizes down the mountain to guard the riverbanks. When the Dragon King’s forces arrived, a fierce battle broke out between the dragons and turtles. Soldier fought soldier, general battled general, and the large and small black, red, and brown rocks are said to be the remains of those who perished. The Turtle King turned into a giant rock that has remained to guard the golden pole ever since. The Dragon King and the Turtle King fought fiercely for three days and three nights, but the Dragon King was ultimately defeated. He fled downriver, yet unable to let go, he glared back at the Turtle King angrily — turning his head seven times and thus forming the seven cascading rapids we see today.

　　According to scientific research, Laojun Rapids formed less than a hundred years ago due to earthquakes and landslides, which caused massive amounts of mud and rocks to be deposited into the river, gradually raising the riverbed. Local elders recall that in 1953, three major landslides occurred at Baishapo, causing more and more debris to accumulate in the river, making the currents increasingly violent and chaotic. The rapids became completely impassable, drawing widespread attention. In the early 1930s, eight “foreigners” attempted to conquer Laojun Rapids but lost their lives in the river. During the Republican era, the Ministry of Communications sent teams twice to survey the area, but both attempts ended in failure. After the liberation, in 1965, the Ministry of Communications organized survey teams from Sichuan and Yunnan provinces to conduct further explorations, but they too failed at the cost of six lives. Throughout history, there were six attempts to brave the rapids, all of which ended in failure. On October 1, 1986, China News Service reported overseas that a young Chinese explorer — 22-year-old Jihu Asha, a Yi woman from Liangshan — along with two male team members, successfully conquered the world-famous “Laojun Rapids,” creating a sensational feat that shocked both China and the world. However, they accomplished this using a rubber sealed boat. Truly conquering the “Rapids King” in a wooden or iron boat may well be something never done before or since.