Source of Yangtze River

For hundreds of years, people spared no efforts to chase the source of Yangtze without result. With times of exploration and resource development, now we know Yangtze River well, and understand where it comes from. Actually, the Source of Yangtze River can be divided into 3 parts: Tuotuo River,Tongtian River and Jinsha River. Then Jinsha River meet Min River in Yibing, where is the starting of Yangtze River.













The Tuotuo River, the source of the Yangtze River, originates from the glaciers of the Jianggendiru Snow Mountains located at the southwestern side of the highest Geladandong Peak in the Tanggula Mountain Range.

The Tongtian River in Kham's proverb is the tributary where the Tuotuo River, the origin of the Yangtze River, joins the Tangqu. It runs southeast and passes the Batang outfall in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in Northwest China's Qinghai Province.

The Tongtian River area appeals to many people, especially the Tibetans, not only because the river itself is quite mythical; it is also known for its "sutra bridge" and "Gyiana Mani stones."


From Batang outfall to Yibing, Sichan, is the Jinsha River, also called River of Golden Sands for golden sands found in Song dynasty. It has the fastest speed between mountains and gorges, and the tiger leaping gorge is here. Having a bird view Jinsha River, you can discovery the biggest Danxia landform in China.

With more info about Yangtze, please visit Yangtze River Facts.