The Throat of the Sichuan-Tibet Line: A Heroic Crossing Over the Raging River at Nujiang Bridge

The Throat of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway

Located deep within the Hengduan Mountains in Baxiu County, Chamdo, the Nujiang Bridge is more than just a transportation facility; it is a legendary landmark on the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Spanning the turbulent Nujiang River (Salween River), the bridge sits at the bottom of a precipitous canyon where mountains rise steeply on both sides, creating a "One-Line Sky" effect. Known as the "Throat of the Sichuan-Tibet Line," it holds a critical strategic position. It is the only lifeline connecting the two sides of the canyon in this region, making it a vital choke point for military and civilian logistics entering Tibet. Due to its strategic importance, it has been heavily guarded by military forces for decades, adding a layer of solemn mystery to its rugged beauty.

A Landscape of Iron and Stone

1.The visual impact of the Nujiang: Bridge is defined by the stark contrast between human engineering and the raw power of nature. The bridge, approximately 165 meters long, acts as a steel dragon traversing the river. Below, the Nujiang River roars with a muddy, turbulent flow, carving through the earth. Above, the mountains are barren, rocky, and steep, devoid of lush vegetation, presenting a desolate yet majestic brown-red hue. This landscape creates a powerful visual shock for travelers descending from the high-altitude passes. The bridge stands as a testament to human resilience against the formidable barriers of the Tibetan plateau, connecting the perilous Nujiang 72 Bends with the road ahead.

The Solitary Pier and The Hero's Legend

Beside the modern bridge stands an old, solitary concrete pier from the original bridge built in the 1950s. This pier has been deliberately preserved not just as a ruin, but as a monument. It is steeped in a tragic and heroic legend widely circulated along the Sichuan-Tibet line. The story tells of a young soldier during the initial construction who, while pouring concrete, accidentally fell into the pier and became embedded within it. To maintain the structural integrity and timeline, his comrades had to continue the work, forever entombing him in the bridge he helped build. Passing drivers often honk their horns or toss cigarettes as a tribute to this guardian of the bridge, honoring the "Two Roads Spirit" of sacrifice and perseverance.

A Journey Through Wind and History

2.Crossing the Nujiang: Bridge is a visceral experience. The canyon acts as a wind tunnel, and the winds here are notoriously strong. Standing at the designated viewing area at the bridgehead, visitors can feel the sheer scale of the vertical drop from the surrounding peaks to the river surface. The bridge connects the history of the ancient Tea Horse Road, which navigated these dangerous waters with simple rope bridges, to the modern era of asphalt highways. It represents a dialogue between the turbulent past and the accessible present. While it is a military restricted zone where photography is strictly regulated in certain angles, the allowed views offer a glimpse into one of the most difficult engineering feats in China.

Strategic Significance

Historically and currently, the bridge's destruction would mean cutting off a primary land route into Tibet, earning it the reputation where "one man can hold the pass against ten thousand." This strategic value is why it remains one of the few bridges in China with a permanent military guard post. For travelers on a road trip to Lhasa, crossing the Nujiang Bridge is a milestone, marking the successful navigation of one of the most perilous sections of the G318, symbolizing courage and the conquering of natural barriers.