Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan

About

The Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan is a culturally significant and ecologically diverse natural heritage site located in the mountainous northwest of Yunnan Province, China. It features the upper reaches of three major Asian rivers: the Yangtze (Jinsha), Mekong (Lancang), and Salween (Nujiang), which run parallel through deep gorges and are bordered by glaciated peaks over 6,000 meters high. This region is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, with a wide range of landscapes including gorges, forests, and alpine karst. The site spans the Hengduan Mountains, a biogeographical convergence zone, making it an epicenter of Chinese biodiversity. It supports a variety of rare and endangered species and has been home to numerous ethnic groups, fostering a rich cultural tapestry. The Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, recognized for its natural beauty and ecological importance. Despite human habitation over thousands of years, much of the area remains relatively undisturbed, preserving its natural character and ecological functions.