Niulanjiang River (牛栏江), also known as Tanglang River (堂琅江) and Chehong River (车洪江), is a significant tributary of the upper Yangtze River (长江), specifically on the right bank of the Jinsha River (金沙江). It originates in Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province, flowing a total length of 423 kilometers with a drop of 1660 meters, and has a drainage area of 13,320 square kilometers. The river generally flows from south to north, traversing the eastern part of Yunnan Province and Weining County (威宁县) in Guizhou, eventually merging with the Jinsha River in Zhaotong (昭通).
The river features several major tributaries, including Malong River (马龙河), Xize River (西泽河), Hala River (哈喇河), and Xiaochang River (硝厂河). Niulanjiang River has substantial hydropower resources, with a theoretical storage capacity of 1841.2 MW, of which 1669.9 MW (90.7% of the total) is found in the main stream. Key hydropower stations along the main river include Eluojiaoping (额罗家坪) and Hongshiyan (洪石岩). Notable inter-basin water diversion projects include the Niulanjiang-Dianchi Lake (滇池) water supply project.
The main stream of Niulanjiang is 423 kilometers long, with a total drop of 1660 meters and a drainage area of 13,320 square kilometers. It flows generally from south to north through various counties and cities in Yunnan Province, including Songming County (嵩明县), Malong County (马龙县), Xundian County (寻甸县), Qilin District (麒麟区), Zhanyi County (沾益县), Xuanwei City (宣威市), Huize County (会泽县), Qiaojia County (巧家县), Ludian County (鲁甸县), and Zhaoyang District (昭阳区), finally emptying into the Jinsha River in Zhaotong City.
In Songming County, the upper reaches of the Niulanjiang were originally known as Chehong River, with two sources: Guoma River (果马河), which is the main source at an elevation of 2320 meters, and a secondary source from Xundian County’s Jinshuo Township (金所乡) that flows south into Songming County, joining with the Duolong River (对龙河) and becoming Niulanjiang.
The primary tributaries include:
Niulanjiang flows northward from Songming County, crossing through Xundian County for approximately 70 kilometers before entering Huize County. In Huize County, the river spans 175 kilometers, with a drainage area of 708 square kilometers and an annual water yield of 3.1 billion cubic meters.
Within Ludian County, the river serves as a boundary between Ludian and Qiaojia counties, flowing through Jiangdi Township (江底乡), Huodehong Township (火德红乡), Longtoushan Town (龙头山镇), Lehong Township (乐红乡), and Suoshan Township (梭山乡) for a total length of 110.7 kilometers, with a drop of 579 meters and an average gradient of 8.7‰, providing a hydropower capacity of 1.2 million kW.
The river enters Zhaoyang District, stretching 2.77 kilometers before flowing into the Jinsha River at Mahao Village in Tianba Township.
The Niulanjiang region is characterized by complex geological structures featuring a mix of north-south and northeast folds, with wide and narrow folds alternating. The area experiences seismic activity with a basic intensity of 7 degrees. The basin is part of the northeastern plateau of Yunnan, with significant topographical variations. The upper reaches of the river, spanning 155 kilometers, flow through Songming and Xundian, characterized by extensive flatlands.
In the middle section, from Deze to the mouth of Shaba River (沙坝河), which stretches 199 kilometers with a drop of 590 meters and an average slope of 3.0‰, the river passes through canyons with elevations approaching 3000 meters on both sides, creating a high mountain gorge landscape. The lower section, from the mouth of Shaba River to the mouth of Niulanjiang, measures about 69 kilometers with a drop of approximately 550 kilometers, also characterized by steep mountains and gorges.
Based on natural conditions, Niulanjiang can be divided into three sections: upstream, midstream, and downstream.
From the Deze Bridge (德泽大桥) to the mouth of Shaba River, this section spans approximately 155 kilometers with mostly gentle slopes and wide basins. Major agricultural areas are found here, with significant irrigation systems. During dry seasons, the river has low flow, making it unsuitable for hydropower development.
Extending from Deze Bridge to the mouth of Shaba River, this section is about 199 kilometers long with a drop of 590 meters and an average slope of 3‰. It is the primary area for hydropower development, with reservoir projects such as Huangli Reservoir (黄梨水库) and Xiangbilin Reservoir (象鼻岭水库) being feasible. Concentrated drops allow for efficient water diversion development.
From the mouth of Shaba River to the mouth of Niulanjiang, this section measures around 69 kilometers with a drop of about 550 kilometers and an average slope of 8‰. The canyon is deeply cut, with high mountains and steep slopes, suitable for water diversion hydropower stations, though development conditions are slightly worse than the midstream section.
The upstream area has convenient transportation with highways, county roads, and railways. Midstream transportation conditions are average, while the downstream area is less accessible, with fewer and lower-grade roads.
Key tributaries include Guoma River, Pusha River, Miliang River, Duolong River, Yanglin River, Kuanglang River, Malong River, Xize River, Xiaochang River, as well as Hala River and Yulong River in Guizhou Province.
Malong River is a tributary of the upper Niulanjiang, originating from the northern ridge of Walnut Mountain (核桃大山) in Yuewang Township (月望乡), Malong County (马龙县). It flows through various regions, including Songxipo Reservoir (松溪坡水库), Xihai Lake (西海子), and the town of Malong, eventually merging with Niulanjiang in Xundian County.
Yanglin River, formerly known as Yulong River, is located in the southern part of Songming County. It originates from Laoyeshan Mountain (老爷山) in Guandu District (官渡区) and flows northward from Tian Sheng Bridge (天生桥) to Dahuikou, merging with Guoma River and entering Niulanjiang. This river stretches 19.4 kilometers with a drainage area of 95.3 square kilometers.
Located in central Songming County, Miliang River’s name means “a clearing between the valleys” in the Yi language. It flows north from Liangwang Mountain (梁王山) to Jiali (嘉丽泽), merging with Duolong River. The river is 26.5 kilometers long and characterized as a mountain stream with an unstable riverbed.
Formerly known as Yunlong River during the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed due to its flow through Duolong Village (对龙村) in the Republican period. The river has two sources, with the primary one originating from the Laoba Jiu Li Chao area, flowing through Guandu District before entering Songming County and merging with Miliang River.
Previously known as Kuanlang River, it was renamed after flowing through Kuanglang (匡郎) and into the main river. The river is rich in local fish and shrimp species.
A primary tributary originating from Huangdonghe Village (黄栋河村) and flowing into Xize River. Xiaochang River is renowned for its beautiful scenery and clear waters, featuring deep pools and rapid streams.
The Dugong River (杜公河) flows through the Sanchahe Town (三岔河镇) area, originating from the Guansheng Palace (关圣宫) in the Shagou Office (沙沟办事处). It draws water from the Laopan River (老盘江) and meanders through several locations, including Sanchahe, Qinghe (清河), Taijiatou (太家头), Wanning (万清), Zhaojiagou (赵家沟), Huangjiaxu (黄家圩), and Shuige (水阁) offices, ultimately discharging into the Central Plain (中原). The river serves multiple purposes such as flood diversion, drainage, and irrigation, with a total length of 18 kilometers. The riverbed is approximately 10 meters wide, with embankments that range from 3 to 5 meters wide and about 5 meters high.
Historical records indicate that in the 55th year of the Kangxi era during the Qing Dynasty (清康熙五十五年, 1716), the governor of Luliang (陆良), Du Zhen (杜珍), who was from Xinan, Henan Province (河南新安), visited the area due to flooding issues in the Dongxiang region (now Sanchahe Town). He oversaw the construction of embankments and the opening of the river, successfully alleviating the water disaster. To commemorate the achievements of Governor Du, the river was named Dugong River. This man-made river has a history of nearly 300 years and, despite renovations over the generations, its course has remained unchanged, still serving as a primary drainage and irrigation channel for the area. Villages along the river are closely connected, with farmhouses closely clustered together.
Sanchahe Town is located in the eastern part of Luliang County (陆良县), with its name derived from the convergence of three small rivers formed by the floodwaters of the Nanpan River (南盘江). The town government is situated 15 kilometers from the county seat. It borders Longhai Mountain (龙海山) to the east, adjacent to Wotao Village (核桃村) and Shuangqingkou Township (双箐口乡) to the north, Ma Street Town (马街镇) to the south, and Huaqiao Farm (华侨农场) and Zhongshu Town (中枢镇) to the west. The northern boundary connects with Banqiao Town (板桥镇).
The entire town is situated in a basin area, with Longhai Mountain rising in the east, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,686 meters. Residential areas and rice paddies are distributed within the basin, characterized by flat terrain and fertile land, with an average elevation of 1,830 meters.
Dugong River and Sanchahe Town are significant in both historical and geographical contexts, providing vital irrigation and drainage functions while serving as a cultural heritage site. The area showcases the harmonious relationship between human activity and the natural landscape.
To reach Dugong River and Sanchahe Town:
Location:
The Maizi River (麦子河, Màizihé) originates from Luhua (露华, Lùhuá) in Luliang County (陆良县, Lùliáng Xiàn), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). It flows through various locations, including Awei (爱位, Àiwèi) and Jialu (戛古, Jiágǔ), merging with streams such as Qinkou (箐沟, Qìnggōu) and Sashan River (撒沙河, Sāshā Hé). The river runs through villages like Bayanshang (坝岩上, Bàyán Shàng), Shanpozi (山坡子, Shānpōzi), and Jiulong Street (旧龙街, Jiùlóng Jiē) before entering the Yanfang (阎芳, Yánfāng) area and joining the Nanpan River (南盘江, Nánpán Jiāng). With a total length of 19 kilometers, the Maizi River Reservoir (麦子河水库, Màizihé Shuǐkù) was completed in 1955, featuring an earthen dam with a storage capacity of 13 million cubic meters. The reservoir is named after the Maizi River and is known for its rich vegetation, elegant surroundings, gentle peaks, and proximity to the national highway, making it a popular park for tourists.
The Maizi River is characterized by its stunning mountains, clear waters, and lush forests, creating a peaceful and picturesque environment. A unique feature of the river is a solitary island covered entirely in coniferous trees, which provides a serene setting with stone benches and tables available for visitors.
The Maizi River is a beautiful destination, combining natural beauty with recreational activities, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration in Yunnan Province.
Chinese Name:曲靖黄泥河
English Name: Huangnihe River in Qujing
Huangni River is one of the main tributaries on the northern bank of the Nanpan River, which is part of the Xijiang River system in the upper reaches of the Pearl River Basin. It is situated at the border between Yunnan (Dian) and Guizhou (Qian) provinces, specifically between Qujing City in Yunnan Province and Xingyi City in Qianxinan Prefecture, Guizhou Province. The river originates from Panjia Cave in Baishui Town, located in the northeastern part of Zhaoyang District, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, at the eastern foothills of the Wumeng Mountains. The section above Chajiang, stretching 172 kilometers, is referred to as the Kuaize River within Yunnan Province, while the 49-kilometer section below Chajiang serves as the boundary river between Yunnan and Guizhou. The Huangni River has a total length of 220 kilometers, a drainage area of 7,416 square kilometers, and an average flow rate of 172 cubic meters per second.
Geographical Description
The Huangni River flows between Luoping County in Qujing City, Yunnan Province, and Xingyi City in Qianxinan Prefecture, Guizhou Province, marking the border between Yunnan and Guizhou. Originating from Panjia Cave in Baishui Town, northeastern Zhaoyang District, Qujing City, the river begins at the eastern foothills of the Wumeng Mountains. It flows from west to southeast, then turns eastward, joining a larger tributary, the Xiao Huangni River, at Chajiang. After this confluence, it bends southwest and merges into the Nanpan River at Sanjiangkou in Xingyi City, Guizhou Province. The section above Chajiang is known as the Kuaize River, while the section below serves as the boundary between the two provinces.
Watershed Characteristics
The Huangni River basin is located between longitudes 103°55′ to 104°50′ E and latitudes 24°40′ to 25°40′ N. The watershed covers areas within Qujing City (urban area), Zhaoyang District, Luliang County, Fuyuan County, Shizong County, and Luoping County in Yunnan Province, as well as Xingyi City and Pan County in Guizhou Province, encompassing a total of six counties and two cities. The main tributaries include the Luoping River and the Xiao Huangni River. The basin’s topography is characterized by high elevations in the north and lower elevations in the south, with the highest point reaching 2,258 meters and the lowest point at the river mouth being 772 meters. The region is known for its well-developed karst formations, underground river sections, and numerous wells and springs. Mineral resources found in the area include molybdenum, coal, sulfur, and gypsum. The total population in the basin is approximately 208,700, predominantly engaged in agriculture. The agricultural population is about 188,400, with a total cultivated area of 174,300 mu (about 11,620 hectares). The level of water conservancy development is relatively low, with an effective irrigated area of only 21,900 mu (about 1,460 hectares), and a guaranteed irrigated area of 19,300 mu (about 1,287 hectares).
River Protection Initiatives
On June 24, 2017, Xia Hongmin, a member of the Standing Committee of the Guizhou Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission, led a “Protecting the Mother River” themed patrol of the Huangni River in Xingyi City, Qianxinan Prefecture. The event was hosted by Zou Bisheng, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Executive Deputy Director of the Guizhou Provincial Public Security Department. The activity involved officials from the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission, Public Security Department, Water Resources Department, Environmental Protection Department, Development and Reform Commission, Qianxinan Prefecture, Liupanshui City, as well as representatives of local cadres and residents along the river.
River and Lake Chiefs
The provincial-level river and lake chief responsible for the Huangni River is Chen Shaobo, a member of the Standing Committee of the Guizhou Provincial Party Committee and the Secretary General of the Provincial Party Committee.
Chinese Name:可渡河
English Name: Keduhe River in Qujing
Kedu River, also known as Yangliu River or Kuadu River, is a tributary on the northern bank of the Beipan River. It originates from the eastern slopes of the Wumeng Mountains at Pingzi Tree in Guanyinshan, Xuanwei City. The river flows northeast through Shanmuping and reaches the Yunnan-Guizhou border 2 kilometers downstream from Tiechang. After merging with Heishi River, it turns southeast, then northeast, and flows through Xiaozhai before becoming a subterranean river section at Tiansheng Bridge. After re-emerging, it continues northeast and joins the Beipan River at Duge.
Watershed Overview
The watershed is located between longitudes 103°50′-104°40′ E and latitudes 26°23′-26°45′ N, spanning three areas: Xuanwei, Weining, and Shuicheng in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. The total basin area is 3,076 square kilometers, with 1,969.2 square kilometers in Guizhou Province. The river is 154.6 kilometers long, with a boundary river segment of 105 kilometers. The total elevation drop is 986 meters, with an average gradient of 6.8‰. The average annual flow at the river mouth is 37 cubic meters per second.
Upstream of Keduo, the river features a deep, narrow valley with sparse human habitation and limited farmland along the riverbanks. The riverbed is often composed of collapsed rock accumulations and has numerous rapids. Between Keduo and Tiansheng Bridge, the left bank is characterized by hanging rocks and steep slopes, while the right bank has gentler gradients. This section includes nine villages: Keduo, Yangliu, Damaizhai, and others. Below Wenchang Pavilion at the river mouth, there is the Kuadu Basin. The river valley here is mostly V-shaped with relatively gentle flow, and it has over 14 villages such as Kuadu and Caijiawan. Farmland is mainly concentrated around Kuadu, with the rest consisting of small plateaus. Below Tiansheng Bridge, the terrain is steep and the valley is narrow with a sharp gradient. The riverbed in the Muduo River to Chao River section is strewn with gravel and boulders, making the riverbank inaccessible and featuring numerous waterfalls and rocky ridges. The basin’s elevation ranges from a high point of 2,570 meters to a low point of 932.4 meters at the river mouth. The exposed geological strata in the basin include Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic, and Jurassic formations, with Permian and Triassic strata being predominant. There is widespread limestone distribution and karst development. The Guizhou part of the basin has a population of 980,000, predominantly engaged in agriculture, with 458,400 agricultural workers. There are 46,430 hectares of farmland, with more dry land than paddy fields; the paddy fields cover only 15,500 hectares. The effective irrigation area is 12,190 hectares, with a guaranteed irrigation area of 9,680 hectares. Transportation is mainly by road, with the East Sichuan-Yunnan Highway passing through the western edge of the basin, and the Nankun Railway extending into the southwestern Yunnan region. There is a hydrological station at Xiaozhai on the main river, with 21 years of measurement data.
Main River Overview
Kedu River is a tributary of the Beipan River. It originates from the Miebabian area in Longtan Township, Xuanwei City. The main river channel serves as the boundary river between Xuanwei and Guizhou’s Weining and Shuicheng. Flowing from northwest to southeast, it passes through Longtan, Delu, Tangtang, Yangliu, Shuanghe, Adu, Wenxing, and Puli before merging with the Beipan River at the La Long confluence. The Kedu River is 162.2 kilometers long with a drainage area of 2,975.8 square kilometers, of which 1,720.2 square kilometers are within Xuanwei City. The average gradient of the river channel is 7.5‰. Notable tributaries include Longtan River, Delu River, Tangtang River, Gande River, and Shuanghe River, creating a complex and winding dendritic drainage system flowing southeast.
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Niulanjiang River (牛栏江), also known as Tanglang River (堂琅江) and Chehong River (车洪江), is a significant tributary of the upper Yangtze River (长江), specifically on the right bank of...
Introduction The Dugong River (杜公河) flows through the Sanchahe Town (三岔河镇) area, originating from the Guansheng Palace (关圣宫) in the Shagou Office (沙沟办事处). It draws water from the Laopan...
Overview The Maizi River (麦子河, Màizihé) originates from Luhua (露华, Lùhuá) in Luliang County (陆良县, Lùliáng Xiàn), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). It flows through various locations, including Awei...
Chinese Name:曲靖黄泥河 English Name: Huangnihe River in Qujing Huangni River is one of the main tributaries on the northern bank of the Nanpan River, which is part of the...
Chinese Name:可渡河 English Name: Keduhe River in Qujing Kedu River, also known as Yangliu River or Kuadu River, is a tributary on the northern bank of the Beipan River....
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