Tuotuo River & Yangtze Source Monument
沱沱河
The Tuotuo River, the main source of the Yangtze, with the First Yangtze Bridge and the Yangtze Source Monument. It is a classic stop on the Qinghai-Tibet route after crossing Hoh Xil.
The Tuotuo River is the main source of the Yangtze. It rises from the Geladandong snow mountain and meets the Qinghai-Tibet Highway and Qinghai-Tibet Railway at Tanggula Town (Tuotuo Town). The Tuotuo River Bridge on National Highway 109 is known as the "First Bridge of the Yangtze." At the bridgehead stands the Yangtze Source Monument, surrounded by prayer flags. The broad braided river channel and the distant snow mountains form one of the most representative scenes on the Qinghai-Tibet route, and nearby you can see the Tuotuo River Major Bridge on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Entry is free, and a stop of about 30 to 60 minutes is enough for photos. Tuotuo Town sits at about 4,500 metres and has a petrol station, restaurants and basic accommodation. It is a common overnight stop for drivers heading from Golmud to Lhasa. It is about 230 km from Kunlun Pass. Be mindful of altitude sickness, and bring warm clothing, as the wind by the bridge is strong.
Opening hours
All day