Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas

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NHK World Heritage 100 Series

Narration Text

Wide, dragon-like rivers wrap around the mountains. It is a truly distinctive landscape. Three great Asian rivers the Yangtze, the Mekong and the Salween run parallel to each other in the northwest of Yunnan province in China. People live here at 2000 meters above sea level. The landscape is known as the White Water Terrace. Naxi people believe that this is "Where God resides". The Terrace Mountain is made of limestone. Water running from the top of the mountain contains a high concentration of calcium which is accumulated over a long period to create spectacular water terraces. There is a form of altar here. This is a sacred place for the Naxi people.

Flat land in the valley has been reclaimed and elevated above the river. A Tibetan tribe lives here. The village here has many walnut trees. The ground yields a good harvest because it is shielded by the surrounding mountains which block the wind and ensure a mild climate throughout the year. Walnuts are highly nutritional and are used to make walnut oil.

There are glaciers 4000 metres above sea level. Here there is a meadow beside the glacier. The front edge of the slowly and ever moving glacier breaks away and continues to slide down the mountainside. The meadow is called The Glacier Meadow. Cattle spending a summer here rarely catch cold in winter. The secret lies in the grass they eat. This highland area is blessed with a range of natural herbs.

The Meili mountain peaks keep an eye on the villages in the Three Parallel Rivers area. The Meili Mountains are around 6000 meters high. This is where the local people believe God is. A large incense altar is set in front of the peaks. People deep inside this splendour express gratitude for what nature provides.