Located in the southwest of Zayü County, the Zayü River, also known as Tsong-yul-chu, stands as one of the significant rivers in eastern Tibet. The name, meaning “the river of the ‘Cha’ people’s dwelling,” reflects its centrality to the region’s identity. Also referred to as “Zayü River” or “Zayu River,” its sources are found on the western slopes of the Boshula range and the eastern mountains near Rawu, with a headwater altitude of 5,475 meters.
A Tale of Two Tributaries The Gangrigabu Mountain divides the upper segment of the Zayü River into two branches: the eastern Sangqu and the western Gongrigabuqu. Sangqu stretches 178 kilometers from its headwaters, flowing southeast until it meets Gongrigabuqu near Lower Zayü; the latter originates from modern glaciers near Gangrigabu Mountain and runs 170 kilometers southeast.
The confluence of Sangqu and Gongrigabuqu marks the beginning of the Zayü River proper, which travels south through Walong and Qianmenli, near Balangang, eventually joining the Brahmaputra River in India. Spanning 295 kilometers within Tibet, the Zayü River covers an area of 17,827 square kilometers.
Characterized by its mountainous and canyon geography, the river’s course transitions from a canyon stretch near Baixue to a valley with varying widths and back to a canyon approach towards Linglingtong Mountain. Its banks enjoy a warm, moist climate with abundant rainfall, fostering rich forests, wildlife, plants, and agricultural development, making it a key rice-producing area in Zayü County.
Gitai River: A Stream of Bliss
The Gitai River, flowing southeast from Zayü County’s hub, Zhawageng, is dubbed the “River of Bliss” in Tibetan. Known as the “Dulong River” upon entering Yunnan and “Salween River” in Myanmar before it merges with the Indian Ocean, its 77-kilometer stretch in Tibet encompasses an area of 2,380 square kilometers.
The river’s basin is home to lush forests and prized species like fir, camphor, rosewood, and Yunnan pine.
Travel Tips: Zhawageng Town, at an altitude of 2,300 meters and covering 2,878 square kilometers, oversees 16 village committees with a population exceeding 2,800. Rich in resources, it’s an ideal stopover for explorers.
Qingshui River: The Divine Stream
Positioned southeast of Zayü County in Zhawageng, the Qingshui River is revered as a “Sacred River” by locals. Its waters remain crystal clear throughout the seasons, with visible riverbed stones and darting fish, framed by green mountains reflected in the river, creating an idyllic scene.
Legend has it that the river’s water possesses beautifying properties, attracting young women daily to bathe in hopes of winning the “holy water’s” favor for celestial beauty.
Travel Tips: The journey from Zayü County to the Qingshui River spans over 30 kilometers, accessible by road. Chartering a vehicle from the county costs between 100 to 150 yuan, offering a convenient option for visitors.
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