The Three-River Source National Nature Reserve (Three-River Headwaters or Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve) is the largest nature reserve in China and the most concentrated reserve of living creatures in high altitude localities. It is also the highest natural wetland in China and the origin of the Yangtse River, the Yellow River and the Lantsang River. This reserve is situated in south Qinghai Province, which is also the hinterland of the Tibetan Plateau.
For a long time, the Tibetan Plateau is named as 'Virgin Land'. However, due to nature and human activities, its ecological system gradually degraded and Three-River Source area in its hinterland also gets influenced. Thus, a Nature Reserve was set up to protect its eco-system and the wetlands, provide favorable living habitats for its wild animals and preserve its original physiognomy and unique natural scenery. This reserve was officially launched on August 19th, 2000. In January, 2003, it was upgraded to state level by the State Council.
Ecological Resources
Three-River Source area has a typical alpine ecosystem. It nurtures many types of vegetation, such as coniferous forest, broad-leaved forest, bush wood, marshy grassland and areas of sparse vegetation. In this area, there are 3 types of plants under state protection (category II) and another 34 types under special provincial protection.
Besides the vegetation, 85 types of beasts, 237 types of birds and 48 types of reptiles and amphibians also dwell there. That is how 'Three-River Source' got the name, 'A Library of Alpine Creatures'. Many of the creatures are also under state or provincial protection, such as Tibetan antelope, wild yak and blue sheep.
Reputed as 'Origin of Rivers' and 'Water Tower of Asia', the Three-River Source Nature Reserve is also rich in rivers, lakes, glaciers and swamps, wet lands, etc.
Nature Scenery
Mountains, waters, plants, animals and lots of other scenery form a wonderful and fascinating picture. Three-River Source Monument lying on the Tongtian (go to heaven) River is made from granite. There are two big hands on it which represent the Three-River Source is being protected by human beings. The characters on the front are titled by Chinese ex-president Jiang Zemin and the monumental essay on the back is written by another eminent person, Bu He (Ex-vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress).
Tongtian River, once named 'Yak River' is famous worldwide for being recorded in The Pilgrimage to the West (A famous novel in China). Nowadays, a bridge is built above it. On its south, there is a giant rock named 'Shaijing (dry scriptures) Rock'. It is said that Tang Priest (San Zang) and his disciples dried the Buddhist scriptures on this rock. Visitors may even see the characters on it.
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