Leadership Insights | Illustrated Lectures: Sanjiangyuan: Cradle of Life

It is necessary to adhere to putting ecological progress and green development first, conscientiously implement the law on ecological conservation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, fully put into practice the requirements of the planning of key functional zones, and build the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau into a highland of ecological civilization.

Sanjiangyuan, literally “the source of the three rivers,” is located in the southern part of Qinghai Province on the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The region is rich in rivers, lakes, swamps, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. Besides, it gave birth to the time-honored Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers, making it a geographical wonder on the planet. As one of the source regions with the largest concentration of major rivers in Asia and even in the world, Sanjiangyuan provides nearly 60 billion cubic meters of high-quality fresh water to 18 provincial-level regions in China as well as five countries every year. For this reason, it is dubbed the source of life for hundreds of millions of people.

The unique ecosystem of Sanjiangyuan has given birth to the unique biodiversity in the region. The well-known Hoh Xil Nature Reserve is located here. In the Yangtze River source zone, there are desert ecosystems, alpine grasslands, and wetland ecosystems. Dubbed a “paradise for wildlife,” the area is home to many rare animals under state protection including Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, Tibetan wild asses, rock sheep, and snow leopards.

The Tibetan wild ass, an animal endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau under first-class state protection, lives on plateau areas at an altitude of 3,600-5,400 meters. It mainly feeds on alpine plants, and can survive without drinking any water for days. The wild yak, also a species under first-class state protection, is an endemic cattle breed on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Featuring long hair and hard skin, the ferocious yak excels in fighting and running, and it roars like a boar, hence its nickname “pig-sounding cattle.”

The ancient and vibrant land of Sanjiangyuan not only carries the long history of Chinese civilization, but also play an important role in maintaining global ecological balance. Let us join hands to protect the ecological environment like protecting our eyes, ensure the sustainable development of human society, and make this magical land full of vitality forever as a model of harmonious coexistence between human civilization and nature.