description Nu River Overview
The Nu River, known as the Salween once it crosses into Myanmar, is a major international river originating in the Tibetan Plateau. In China, it flows southward for over 2,000 kilometers through Yunnan Province, carving deep gorges through rugged mountainous terrain. This Chinese section flows directly through the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its immense biodiversity. The river basin remains largely undeveloped due to its challenging geography, sustaining a variety of distinct ethnic minority communities and unique regional ecosystems.
help Nu River FAQ
Are the Nu River and the Salween the same river?
Yes, Nu Jiang is the name commonly used for the river's Chinese section, while Salween is widely used downstream in Myanmar. It ultimately reaches the Andaman Sea after passing from China through Myanmar.
What makes the Nu River valley in Yunnan unusual?
The Nu runs through steep north-south mountain ranges close to the Jinsha and Lancang rivers. This landscape forms part of UNESCO's Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas.
How long is the Nu River section in China?
The Chinese course is commonly described as about 2,013 kilometers long. It descends from the Tibetan Plateau through western Yunnan before crossing into Myanmar.
Why have dam plans on the Nu River attracted opposition?
Large hydropower proposals have prompted debate over displaced communities, free-flowing river habitat and the biodiversity of western Yunnan. The river's passage through and near internationally recognized protected landscapes makes development especially sensitive.
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