Cable slide used for crossing the Nujiang River, Yunnan, by the local Lisu ethnic minority. At one time the only way for most people of crossing fast and dangerous rivers, cable slides are still in use across the gorge of the Nujiang, the ‘Angry River’. The tackle consists of a pulley wheel with a double hook below, onto which are looped a rope harness. Still known by their traditional name liu suo, or rope slide, steel hawsers have replaced the less secure locally made ropes, and are anchored in pairs, sloping in opposite directions across the river. Depending on the weight of the person, the transit speed can exceed 30 kilometres an hour.

Still known by their traditional name liu suo, or rope slide, steel hawsers have replaced the less secure locally made ropes, and are anchored in pairs, sloping in opposite directions across the river. Depending on the weight of the person, the transit speed can exceed 30 kilometres an hour, and makes for an exciting ride — or flight — as in this traveller’s eye view.