Home > Attractions >
Three Rivers' Fountainheads Nature Reserve
As one of the most spectacular Nature Reserve along the silk road, Three Rivers Fountainheads Nature Reserve (Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve) is located in the south of Qinghai Province, the total area of Sanjiangyuan Reserve is more than 316,000 square kilometres, accounting for 32.7% of the total land area of Qinghai Province.
The 4 salient features of Three Rivers Fountainheads Nature Reserve:
Three Rivers Fountainheads Nature Reserve is the birthplace of the Yangtze River, the Yellow River and the Lancang River and it has four salient features: First of all, it is the largest nature reserve in China, and the area of the nature reserve is equivalent to the area of two Shandong provinces. Secondly, it is the highest natural wetland in China, with an average altitude of about 4000 metres, and thirdly, there are more than 70 species of rare wildlife distributed in the areas with the most concentrated biodiversity in the high altitude areas of the world. Fourthly, the most sensitive area of the ecosystem in the Sanjiang River Basin, and the ecological contamination in this area will bring adverse effects on the sustainable economic and social development of the provinces and regions in the Sanjiang River Basin.
What to visit in Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve?
Although it is the birthplace of the Yangtze River, the Yellow River and the Lancang River, however, the primitive natural scenery also makes it as a beautiful natural landscape of Yushu, which is a paradise for sightseeing, exploration and photography.
The Yellow River:
As the cradle of Chinese people, the Yellow River stems from Kariqu, the northern foot of Bayankala Mountains, with an altitude of 4830 metres. The source is made up of many springs, it seems that alps jump onto the skies far in the distance. This white snow world gives birth to the persistent and uncontrollable golden dragon, which originated the marvelous Chinese civilization.
The Yellow River in Qinghai is tender and delightful, like a young beauty, The tiny streams of the upper reach and Star Lake were formed by incalculable pools. It can hardly make you think the clear river water of the upper reach flows into that of the lower part which is muddy and speedy. Especially when you walking along the riverbank of the upper Yellow River, you will find the charm and beauty of this inland river, that is quite splendid.
The Yangtze River:
The Lancang River:
The Lancang River is a river abundant in stem waters. The Mekong River (in Vietnam )is the longest river in Southeast Asia, and its section in China is named Lancang River. Among them, the Lancang-Mekong River is a very large international river, winding through the most area in Asia, and it is also a multi-national river which needs researching and exploring because of its intercultural characteristics. It rises in the Muxung community of Zadoi County in Yushu Prefecture, where it is called the La Qu. Rdzang Chu, is the origin of the Lancane River-the well-known international river, More attention will be focused on the source of Lancang River for environmental protection and biological balance in natural conditions of Asia.
When is the best time to visit?
Every Summer and Autumn are the best time to visit Three Rivers Fountainheads Nature Reserve because, at this time, thousands of hectares of rapeseed flowers on Qilian grassland are fascinating, the breeze blows and the flowers surge like the Qiantang River tide. In addition, herds of cattle and sheep under the blue sky and white clouds embellish them, which gives us a sense of returning to nature.
Traffic information:
Tourists can take a bus from Xining to Madao County, it will take about 10 hours to arrive. Furthermore, there is no bus from Jiegu Town to Madao County in Yushu City, therefore, tourists have advised to charter a car to the scenic spot, the charter fare is about 300 RMB and the whole journey is about 5 hours.
The admission fees: Free of Charge
Opening Time: 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM
The 4 salient features of Three Rivers Fountainheads Nature Reserve:
Three Rivers Fountainheads Nature Reserve is the birthplace of the Yangtze River, the Yellow River and the Lancang River and it has four salient features: First of all, it is the largest nature reserve in China, and the area of the nature reserve is equivalent to the area of two Shandong provinces. Secondly, it is the highest natural wetland in China, with an average altitude of about 4000 metres, and thirdly, there are more than 70 species of rare wildlife distributed in the areas with the most concentrated biodiversity in the high altitude areas of the world. Fourthly, the most sensitive area of the ecosystem in the Sanjiang River Basin, and the ecological contamination in this area will bring adverse effects on the sustainable economic and social development of the provinces and regions in the Sanjiang River Basin.
What to visit in Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve?
Although it is the birthplace of the Yangtze River, the Yellow River and the Lancang River, however, the primitive natural scenery also makes it as a beautiful natural landscape of Yushu, which is a paradise for sightseeing, exploration and photography.
The Yellow River:
As the cradle of Chinese people, the Yellow River stems from Kariqu, the northern foot of Bayankala Mountains, with an altitude of 4830 metres. The source is made up of many springs, it seems that alps jump onto the skies far in the distance. This white snow world gives birth to the persistent and uncontrollable golden dragon, which originated the marvelous Chinese civilization.
The Yellow River in Qinghai is tender and delightful, like a young beauty, The tiny streams of the upper reach and Star Lake were formed by incalculable pools. It can hardly make you think the clear river water of the upper reach flows into that of the lower part which is muddy and speedy. Especially when you walking along the riverbank of the upper Yellow River, you will find the charm and beauty of this inland river, that is quite splendid.
The Yangtze River:
Yangtze River was originated from the southeast side of Geladandong Peak in Tanggula Mountains. Geladandong, meaning"the lofty, sharp peak" in Tibetan, is 6,620 metres. above sea level and Is as immaculate and remarkable as a crystal palace. The luminous and crystal-clear ice towers, bridges and chains are the creation of Nature.
The Tuotuo River grows from the glaciers among the snowy mountains in Yushu Prefecture as the first part of the Yangtze River. It flows east and develops into the longest river in China. The Tuotuo River, the main source of the Yangtze River, originates from the melted ice and snow of Geladandong Mountain.
The Lancang River:
The Lancang River is a river abundant in stem waters. The Mekong River (in Vietnam )is the longest river in Southeast Asia, and its section in China is named Lancang River. Among them, the Lancang-Mekong River is a very large international river, winding through the most area in Asia, and it is also a multi-national river which needs researching and exploring because of its intercultural characteristics. It rises in the Muxung community of Zadoi County in Yushu Prefecture, where it is called the La Qu. Rdzang Chu, is the origin of the Lancane River-the well-known international river, More attention will be focused on the source of Lancang River for environmental protection and biological balance in natural conditions of Asia.
When is the best time to visit?
Every Summer and Autumn are the best time to visit Three Rivers Fountainheads Nature Reserve because, at this time, thousands of hectares of rapeseed flowers on Qilian grassland are fascinating, the breeze blows and the flowers surge like the Qiantang River tide. In addition, herds of cattle and sheep under the blue sky and white clouds embellish them, which gives us a sense of returning to nature.
Traffic information:
Tourists can take a bus from Xining to Madao County, it will take about 10 hours to arrive. Furthermore, there is no bus from Jiegu Town to Madao County in Yushu City, therefore, tourists have advised to charter a car to the scenic spot, the charter fare is about 300 RMB and the whole journey is about 5 hours.
The admission fees: Free of Charge
Opening Time: 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM
