Three Parallel Rivers National Park, Protected natural area in Yunnan Province, China
This national park in Yunnan contains the upper courses of three major rivers—the Yangtze, Mekong, and Salween—that flow parallel through mountain ranges and deep gorges. The landscape features dense forests, steep slopes, and dramatic river canyons that together create a complex terrain.
UNESCO designated this area as a World Heritage Site in 2003, recognizing its exceptional natural formations and ecological significance. This acknowledgment brought international attention and led to stronger protection and management of the region.
Several ethnic groups including the Nu, Lisu, Dulong, and Tibetan peoples live throughout this region and maintain their traditional ways. You can see small villages where old crafts and customs continue to shape daily life.
Several developed hiking trails connect different sections of the park, allowing visitors to explore its varied landscapes. Accommodations and local guides are available in surrounding villages to enhance your visit.
The area ranges from 760 to 6,740 meters in elevation, creating distinct climate zones with over 6,000 plant species. These elevation differences allow you to observe several ecosystems within a relatively compact area.
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