Engineering Marvel: Qinghai-Tibet Railway Crossing Tuotuo River's Dramatic Landscape

Discover the historic Tuotuo River, a vital Yangtze tributary flowing through Tibet's Tanggula Mountains. Experience stunning landscapes and engineering marvels.

Green diesel locomotive NJ20008 crossing elevated railway bridge above dramatic Tuotuo River landscape with mountains in background
Aerial view of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway's Yangtze River Source Bridge spanning the Tuotuo River near Tangula Mountain Town, showcasing the remarkable engineering achievement amid Tibet's dramatic, eroded landscape.

Tangula Mountain Town is a must-see stop on the way back along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. This town is situated on the banks of the Tuotuo River, through which the Qinghai-Tibet Railway's Yangtze River Source Bridge extends. The Tuotuo River was once thought to be the source of the Yangtze River, but it was later found that the source should be the Dangqu River. However, the Tuotuo River is considered one of the three main tributaries of the Yangtze River. The river surface is not wide, and there is not much water; erosion has carved unique patterns into the exposed riverbed.