The Sechu River, also known as Serchu (གསེར་ཆུ་) or Jinsha, translates to “Golden River.” It is a significant waterway in Chaya County, Tibet, located northwest of the county seat. As an essential tributary of the Lancang River (Mekong River), it plays a crucial role in the region’s hydrology, ecology, and natural resources.
Geographical Overview
The Sechu River, located in the northeastern region of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, is a right-bank tributary of the Lancang River. It originates from Cuogongdongqu in Dingqing Town, Dingqing County, Chamdo Prefecture, in northwestern Zeronggexi. The river initially flows southeast into Butuo Cuoqing Lake, then exits from its southern shore before turning eastward. After merging with Jiaoqu from the left, it is then called Buqu and continues eastward into Riwoche County.
Upon receiving the Requ tributary from the left, the main river becomes known as Ziqu (འཛི་ཆུ). It then flows southeast through Gangsang Township, Leiwuqi Town, Sangduo Town, and Binda Township, before entering Karuo District, Chamdo. In Karuo District, it is also referred to as Ruoqu and continues southeast through Jitang Town, Zhag’yab County བྲག་གཡབ་རྫོང་། , before finally merging into the Lancang River in Kagong Township, southeast of Chaya County.
Geographical Features
- Location: Northwest of Chaya County, Tibet
- Source: The river forms from the Zichu River and Gequ River at their confluence, where it is also called the “Golden River.”
- Tributary: The river is an important tributary of the Lancang (Mekong) River system.
Key Statistics
- Total Length: 301 kilometers
- Length within Tibet: 192 kilometers
- Drainage Basin Area: 6,493 square kilometers
- Total Elevation Drop: 1,805 meters
- Main Tributaries: Ziqu River, Gequ River, Requ River, Jiaoqu River
Rich Aquatic and Forest Resources
The Sechu River is home to diverse aquatic species, including the Nujiang schizothoracin fish and the naked carp, both of which are vital to the local ecosystem. The river basin is also endowed with abundant forest resources, making it an ecologically significant region in eastern Tibet.
- Fish Species: The river is home to various species, including the Nujiang split-belly fish (怒江裂腹鱼) and bare-bellied lip fish (裸腹重唇鱼).
- Flora and Fauna: The region surrounding the Sequ River is rich in forest resources, supporting both wildlife and plant life that are essential to the local economy and ecosystem.
Cultural and Economic Significance
- Agriculture and Forestry: The Sequ River’s valley is an important area for agriculture, with fertile land supporting crops like barley (青稞), wheat (小麦), and vegetables. Additionally, the forests in the region are a vital source of timber and other natural resources.
- Livestock: The river area also supports livestock farming, with yaks and other Tibetan cattle grazing on the natural pastures along the riverbanks.
The Sechu River’s rich biodiversity and natural resources support local communities through fishing, forestry, and agriculture. Additionally, the river plays an essential role in water conservation and regional climate regulation, sustaining both wildlife and human settlements in the area.
Conclusion
As a key tributary of the Lancang River, the Sechu River is an indispensable part of Tibet’s natural landscape and ecological balance. Its hydrological significance, rich biodiversity, and economic value make it an essential resource for local communities and the broader Tibetan environment. Preserving the Sechu River’s water quality and surrounding ecosystem is crucial to maintaining Tibet’s ecological sustainability and cultural heritage.
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