Formed by the confluence of the Tuotuo River and Dangqu River near Nangjibalong, 60 kilometers downstream of the Tuotuo River Bridge, the Tongtian River runs 800 kilometers long. The Tuotuo River, the main source of the Yangtze River, originates from the Geladandong Mountain. The section flowing through Yushu is named the Tongtian River, winding through the wide valleys between the Tanggula and Kunlun Mountains.

Along the Qinghai-Kangding Highway, 20 kilometers away from Jiegu Town, stands the monument of Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve, right beside the magnificent Tongtian River. Boasting breathtaking and perilous scenery, this river has long been a crucial passage from Xining to Yushu and from Qinghai to Xizang, as well as a natural barrier on the upper reaches of the river.

In ancient times, envoys between Han and Tibetan regions, preaching monks, pilgrims and travelers constantly passed along this ancient route and crossed the Tongtian Ferry. The well-known story of drying sacred scriptures after crossing the river in Journey to the West took place right here. Today, a seven-span reinforced concrete bridge has been built over the ferry. The rawhide rafts that drifted along the river for thousands of years have become popular subjects for photography and adventure seekers.