Tian Sheng Qiao, The Natural Bridge

Tian Sheng Qiao is located 12 kilometers east of Shangri-la County, Diqing Prefecture. It’s called “Rang Jiong Du Zuo” in Tibetan which means a natural stone bridge. It’s actually a natural cliff, 70 meters high, 8 meters wide and 500 meters long. In the minds of Tibetans in Shangri-la, Tian Sheng Qiao has evolved into a mysterious and fabulous place. In Tibetan, it’s also referred as “Bai Tsong Nao Tsang” which indicates the bridge Padmasambhava once passed by. Padmasambhava is known as “Lian Hua Sheng (Lotus Born)” in Chinese, he was a Buddhist master in ancient India and introduced esoteric sect to Tibet in the late 8th century and established Ningmapa (Red Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism). So Tian Sheng Qiao is also named “a bridge constructed by Padmasambhava”.

Shudugang River that originates form Shudu Lake in Pudacuo Park flows under the bridge. Local Tibetans have legend that Shudugang River and Naqu River were sisters, and they were determined to find their way to the ocean. However, after wading thousands of miles, they arrived at Tian Sheng Qiao Bridge which turned out to be an overwhelming barrier. Naqu River rerouted but Shudugang River remained striving ahead. 

Tian Sheng Qiao is also a geothermal world. The Sacred Hot Spring derives its name from its being enchanted by Padmasambhava who exorcised evil spirits and relieved people from sufferings. Nowadays, hot spring bath here has been developed onto visitors’ programs since it has hot springs including Ruquan (Milk Fountain) Spring, Pengquan Spring, Gao Sheng Yu Chi (Monk Bathing Spot), Mesa Bathing Spot, and Rehe (Hot River) etc. On the Ancient Tea and Horse Trail, Tian Sheng Qiao served as a comfortable shelter for horse caravans who got refreshed here and make their horses enjoy the pastures around.