Yatong Guzi He

The Yatong Guzi He is a river system in Xinjiang that flows through varied terrain and provides water resources to this continental region in northwestern China. The waterway winds through plains and elevated areas, supporting the natural ecosystems and human settlements that depend on its flow.

This waterway has sustained human settlements in Xinjiang for generations, providing the essential water needed for farming and early trade routes across the region. Over time, communities developed specific methods to live with the river's seasonal patterns.

Local communities depend on this waterway for traditional fishing and irrigation methods that shape daily life in the region. These practices reflect deep knowledge of managing water in an arid landscape.

Visitors should note the seasonal changes in water levels, as these affect what you see and how you can move along the river. Bring appropriate clothing and gear for the continental climate, which can be hot and dry.

The river creates distinct water patterns that support plant species specially adapted to arid conditions found nowhere else in the region. These hardy plants grow only in the moist areas around the waterway, showing how rivers shape life in desert landscapes.