Sanjiangyuan hosts numerous endangered species, including the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope (chiru), wild yak, Tibetan wild ass (kiang), and black-necked crane. The park serves as a crucial habitat for these high-altitude specialists and supports over 70 mammal species and 200 bird species. Notable species also include the Chinese mountain cat, Tibetan fox, blue sheep, and various plateau-adapted birds like the Tibetan sandgrouse and Tibetan snowcock. The region's wetlands provide essential breeding grounds for migratory birds, making it a globally significant wildlife sanctuary.
The park's vegetation varies with altitude and includes alpine meadows, high-altitude grasslands, and cushion plants adapted to extreme conditions. Key species include Kobresia sedges, which dominate the alpine meadows, and various medicinal plants valued in traditional Tibetan medicine. The park contains over 1,000 plant species, many of which are endemic to the region. Alpine shrubs such as Potentilla fruticosa and Rhododendron species are common at lower elevations, while hardy plants like Saussurea species survive at higher altitudes, showcasing remarkable adaptations to the harsh environment.
The park sits on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, featuring dramatic geological formations shaped by tectonic activity and glacial processes. The landscape includes vast grasslands, alpine meadows, snow-capped mountains, and numerous glaciers. The region's average elevation exceeds 4,000 meters, with some peaks reaching above 6,000 meters. Permafrost covers significant portions of the territory, and the area contains thousands of lakes and wetlands. The geological composition includes metamorphic rocks, sedimentary deposits, and quaternary glacial features that contribute to the unique water-holding capacity of the region.
Sanjiangyuan, meaning 'Source of Three Rivers,' has been home to Tibetan nomadic communities for thousands of years. The area was officially designated as a nature reserve in 2000 and upgraded to national park status in 2016, becoming China's first national park. The region's critical ecological importance as the source of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Mekong Rivers led to its protection, with the Chinese government implementing major conservation initiatives since 2005. Traditional Tibetan cultural practices have historically helped preserve the ecosystem, with local communities now serving as ecological stewards through the park's ranger program.
The park's most distinctive feature is its role as the source region for three of Asia's major rivers: the Yangtze, Yellow, and Mekong Rivers, earning it the nickname 'China's Water Tower.' The park encompasses an area of 123,100 square kilometers, making it one of the world's largest protected areas. Notable landmarks include the Geladan Peak, numerous sacred mountains, and the vast Zaling and Eling lakes. The park also features extensive wetland systems, alpine lakes, and glaciers that are crucial for water conservation. Traditional Tibetan cultural sites, including monasteries and seasonal grazing grounds, add cultural significance to the natural landscape.
Sanjiangyuan experiences a harsh plateau continental climate characterized by long, severe winters and short, cool summers. Average annual temperatures range from -4°C to 2°C, with extreme winter temperatures dropping below -30°C. The region receives 250-700mm of annual precipitation, mostly falling during the summer monsoon season from June to September. Due to its high elevation (averaging 4,000 meters above sea level), weather conditions can change rapidly, and visitors should be prepared for snow possible in any season, strong UV radiation, and significant temperature variations between day and night.
China
34.5000°, 95.5000°
2016
123100
Sanjiangyuan National Park protects the source region of three major Asian rivers: the Yellow, Yangtze, and Mekong. The park encompasses vast grasslands and wetlands on the Tibetan Plateau. It is crucial for water conservation and hosts unique high-altitude wildlife.