Hengduan Shan

Hengduan Shan refers to a complex of mountain ranges on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau in southwest China, notable for steep relief and major river gorges. The system extends roughly north-south for several hundred to about a thousand kilometres and forms key watershed divides.

The area contains high peaks, deep valleys and long north-south-oriented ridgelines that separate the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween river systems. Elevation changes over short horizontal distances create varied climate zones and high levels of plant and animal endemism.

The ranges are the product of active tectonics related to the India-Asia collision, with ongoing uplift and frequent seismicity shaping the landscape. Human presence varies from lowland towns and agricultural terraces to remote highland pastures and forested slopes.

Geographically the Hengduan region spans parts of western Sichuan, northwestern Yunnan and eastern Tibet Autonomous Region, forming a transition between the high Tibetan Plateau and lower river valleys to the east.

• River divides: The ranges form a major east-edge complex of the Tibetan Plateau and separate the drainages of the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween rivers.
• Biodiversity: Recognised as a biodiversity hotspot with steep elevation gradients and many endemic plant and animal species.

What to See #

• Gaoligong and neighbouring ranges: A north-south chain of ranges including heavily forested flanks, deep river gorges and high alpine peaks important for endemism and biodiversity.
• Daxue and adjacent subranges: High eastern edge ranges with peaks and glaciated summits, forming part of the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and feeding major rivers.