The Lancang River Gorge, located in the Zhuka Village section of Rumei Town in the western part of Mangkang County, represents a significant portion of the upper reaches of the Lancang River, characterized by extensive glaciers and perennial snow. In the central part of the Changdu area, the Lancang River is formed by the confluence of two rivers, the longer “Zhaqu” (rdsa-chu), which is considered the main source of the Lancang River, originating from the foothills of the Xiarongga Mountain in Qinghai’s Zadoi County; and the “Angqu,” a tributary originating from the Wanmala in Baqing County.
Flowing through Chaya, Zogang, and Mangkang counties before entering Yunnan south of Yanjing, the river then crosses international borders, becoming known as the “Mekong River.” Within Tibet, the river stretches for 509 kilometers, covering a basin area of 38,470 square kilometers. The gorge’s cross-section is “V”-shaped, with deep incisions, and the steep cliffs can have vertical drops ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 meters from the riverbed to the mountaintop.
The modern riverbed is deeply entrenched within the valley, cutting into the bedrock. Due to the river’s winding and narrow path, strewn with rocks and rapids, the flow is fast and tumultuous, with constant whirlpools and audible roars that can be heard for miles. “A slit of sky in the gorge separates two sides; people can talk across it, but meeting takes a day.” The river’s flow is turbid and raging in summer, with narrow channels where the torrential waters hit the banks, creating a spectacular sight.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Lancang River Gorge
- Zhuka Village beside the Lancang River is the prime location for admiring the breathtaking views of the Lancang River Gorge.
- Adjacent to the Lancang River is the Naxi Ethnic Village, located along the 214 National Highway of the Yunnan-Tibet line. This village has been an important stop on the millennium-old Tea Horse Road. According to legend, a battle known as the “Qiangling Battle” occurred between King Gesar and the Naxi King Mogan over the Yanjing salt wells, with Gesar ultimately capturing Mogan’s son, Yula. During the later period of the Tubo Empire, Yula became a prominent Naxi minister, and the residents of the Naxi Ethnic Village today are his descendants. Situated at an elevation of 2,650 meters, the village enjoys a unique geographical location with a mild climate, rich natural landscapes, and a deep historical culture, creating a unique tourism landscape.
