The Parrot Zipline, which refers to a zipline that hangs 270 meters above the Jinsha River, is known as the "tallest zipline in Asia". Because it was built in 1999 by villagers in Parrot Village in Yunnan Province, it is called the Parrot Zipline. With the completion and opening of the bridge across the river about a kilometer downstream, the parrot zipline completed its mission and retired. (Image from Oriental IC)
The parrot zipline spans the rushing Jinsha River, with Parrot Village in Yunnan Province on one side and Yanjiang Village in Sichuan Province on the other. Before the parrot zipline was built, it was very inconvenient for the people of the two places to go to the other side. First, people need to go up and down the mountain to the river, then cross the other bank by boat, and then from the river to the mountain. This is not only time-consuming but also dangerous, as there have been incidents of shipwrecks that have resulted in the deaths of persons. (Image from Oriental IC)
So, while ziplines may seem dangerous, they are much safer than boat crossings. Because, jinsha river is also famous for its unruliness. It is reported that before 2001, the zipline was driven by human power, that is, two people stood on the top of the zipline and pushed the zipline forward in a way similar to walking a tightrope. The two did not have any protective measures on them, which was very dangerous, but fortunately there was no fall. (Image from Oriental IC)
By 2001, the parrot zipline had been switched to diesel-driven, greatly reducing the hazard factor and eliminating the need for personnel to stand on the rope to push. Since there has been no bridge nearby before, the parrot zipline has become the main passage for people on both sides of the strait to enter and exit, and the local government also recognizes this, and also sends people to inspect the parrot zipline every year to ensure safety. (Image from Oriental IC)
It is reported that the parrot zipline not only carries people, but also carries goods, including pigs and other livestock, but if there are too many or too heavy items, it can only be sent across the river around the long way, after all, the zipline can only carry a maximum of one ton. Due to the problem of gravity, when the parrot ziplines to the middle position, people will obviously feel that it is more falling, which is a test for those who are afraid of heights. However, it is estimated that people who are afraid of heights do not dare to ride, and it is said that the wind on the zipline is very strong. (Image from Oriental IC)
Today, the parrot zipline, which has served the people of Yunnan and Sichuan for 19 years, has basically completed the task of carrying it, and the local area has reserved it for future tourists. Previously, the Parrot Zipline cost $5 for each ride (one way). Since the controller is located on the Yunnan side, if the person on the Sichuan side wants to ride, he needs to call him by phone. Of course, if you are full of air, you can also directly shout across the river to tell him, saving phone bills. (Image from Oriental IC)
In July this year, the cross-river bridge downstream of the parrot zipline was successfully opened to traffic, and the number of people using the parrot zipline to cross the river immediately decreased sharply, and the parrot zipline, which has never had a safety accident in 19 years, completed its historical mission and retired honorably. (Image from Oriental IC)