Tibetans call Tuotuo River the Ma'erqu, which means 'red river'. As the source of the Yangtze River, it originates from the glacier clusters southwest of the main peak of Tanggula Mountain - Geladandong Snow Mountains, made up of 21 snow mountains averaging about 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) above sea level. The main peak of Geladandong is about 6,621 meters (21,722 feet) above sea level with about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from south to north and about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from east to west. About 670 square kilometers (259 square miles) are covered by snow. In the valleys among the mountains, there are 104 glaciers that come into being in the contemporary time. They melt under the sufficient sunlight and become the source of Tuotuo River.
When getting close to the river, the first thing that comes into view is the stele inscribed with 'the Source of Yangtze River' by the former Chinese President Jiang Zemin. On one side of the stele lies the First Bridge of Yangtze River Source - the Super Large Bridge along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway with 1,389.6 meters (1,519.7 yards) long. 42-holed bridge piers arranged in the straight array resemble a huge winding dragon across Tuotuo River.
Tuotuo River flows in the upper reaches horizontally, and then stretches farther invisibly in the lower reaches. The rapid current suggests itself the heroic feeling and tremendous vigor. It is by which the brilliance and significance of Chinese culture is enlightened and enriched. The moment you stand beside the river, you will come over a fever of excitement. You will be touched by the great spirit that the mother river carries, that is the lenience, perseverance, and yielding to nothing. Next to the bridge stands the memorial statue 'Qingyuan'. The main body of it is made by welding and baking painting the metallic steel plates. The lower part is like a plateau standing toweringly and rising sharp into the sky. The smart curves in the upper position are similar to the meandering river. The whole statue is reminiscent of the cradle that nourishes our mother rivers.
Best Time to Visit: July & August
Transportation: Visitors can take train No. N917 / N918 to Tuotuo River Railway Station; the train travels between Xining and Lhasa.
Travel Tips:
A. The altitude of the river is 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), so visitors may suffer from serious altitude sickness, therefore, visitors are suggested to finish their tours in Tuotuo River within one day.
B. The sunshine is very strong, so please take suntan lotion, sunglasses and a hat.
Other Famous Haixi Attraction: Chaerhan Salt Lake
