As the source of the Zaqu River, Qungo Zaxi Beach features complex terrain and widespread marshes, yet it is covered with luxuriant pastureland. It has long been a paradise for rare wild animals and birds. Herds of wild horses run freely across the land; Mongolian gazelles play and chase one another with their white tails raised. Fierce wolves patrol fearlessly, sly desert foxes watch for prey caught by larger beasts, and clumsy brown bears wander at will.

The most striking sights are the elegant white swans, graceful black-necked cranes and soaring bar-headed geese. Some let out loud calls, some glide silently across the azure sky, and others stand guard beside their nests. Every spring, they fly here from the south, build nests on lake islets and raise their young. When winter comes, they travel south with their fledglings to warmer water towns. This cycle repeats year after year. Having migrated tens of thousands of miles, these birds have lived and bred here for centuries. It is home to more than 20 species and over 10,000 birds in total, truly a world of birds.

Lying on the west bank of the Zaba River, the forest area is known as Jiangxi Forest Farm. Stepping into the woods, you will no longer feel the desolation of the plateau, but rather experience the gentle charm typical of regions south of the Yangtze River. The picturesque woodland scenery lingers in visitors’ minds.

The surging Zaqu River flows on, winding reluctantly around the northern side of the forest and heading slowly east into mountain valleys. Further ahead in the remote gorges, the river becomes turbulent once more, sending up towering waves. Even fish dare not swim here. This dangerous section is famously called Fish Grieving Gorge on the Lancang River.

After passing through the gorge, the Zaqu River turns south and reaches Skyline Gorge and Cliff Spring, the last stop of the river within Qinghai territory.