[00:01.000]But the plant hunters weren't the first people to travel here.
[00:43.000]Along the Nujiang, less than 30 rope crossings allow locals passage across the torrents.
[00:51.500]Tiny hamlets cling to the slopes.
[00:55.800]This morning, it's market day, drawing people from up and down the valley.
[01:19.000]Hanging from simple rope slings, people have been using the crossings for many hundreds of years.
[01:29.000]In such narrow, precipitous gorges it's by far the easiest way to get around.
[01:44.490]Once across, the steep sides mean it's still a hike. Many trek for hours by foot before they get to the market.
[01:56.750]The immense valley is home to over a dozen ethnic groups.
[02:02.000]Some, like the Nu people, are found only here.