Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas

UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in northwest Yunnan where the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween rivers run in parallel through deep gorges — one of the most biologically diverse temperate regions on Earth.

The Three Parallel Rivers Protected Areas were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003, covering approximately 1.7 million hectares of northwest Yunnan where three of Asia's greatest rivers — the Jinsha (upper Yangtze), Lancang (Mekong) and Nu (Salween) — run roughly parallel from north to south through a series of deep gorges separated by high mountain ridges. In places the rivers are less than 60 km apart, yet drain into entirely separate ocean basins thousands of kilometres away.

The area encompasses one of the world's most significant biodiversity hotspots outside the tropics. More than 6,000 plant species, 173 mammal species, 417 bird species and 59 species of rare fish have been recorded within the protected area. The elevation gradient — from subtropical gorge floors at around 760 m to glaciated peaks above 6,000 m — means ecosystems range from tropical to alpine tundra within a single landscape.

For visitors, the most accessible parts of the protected area are around Shangri-La (Zhongdian) in Diqing Prefecture. Tiger Leaping Gorge, carved by the Jinsha River between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, is the most popular entry point, with a two-day trekking route along the gorge's upper rim. The Meili Snow Mountain (Kawagarbo) massif in the far northwest draws Tibetan pilgrims and trekkers to its sacred circuit, though the summit itself remains unclimbed by agreement with local communities.

Infrastructure beyond the main tourist corridors is limited; hiring a local guide or joining an organised small-group tour is advisable for exploring the remoter sections of the protected area.