Hengduan

Hengduan, or the Hengduan Mountains (横断山脉), is a major mountain system in southwest China. The range forms a complex of parallel and discontinuous ridges that run roughly north–south along the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, spanning parts of Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan. The name derives from the Chinese term for "transverse" or "cutting across," reflecting how these ranges cross the region.

Geologically, the Hengduan Mountains are the product of ongoing tectonic uplift associated with the collision of the Indian Plate with Eurasia. The orogeny, combined with deep river canyons and rapid altitude change, has created a highly varied climate and topography, from subtropical valleys to icebound peaks.

Ecology and conservation: The Hengduan Mountains are among the most biodiverse temperate regions in the world, hosting numerous endemic plant and animal species. The Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, where the Jinsha (Yangtze), Lancang (Mekong), and Nu (Salween) rivers descend in parallel gorges through the mountains, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2003. The region contains numerous national parks and reserves.

Human geography: The region is home to diverse ethnic communities, including Yi, Naxi, Tibetan, Qiang, Lisu, and Hani, with a long history of cultural exchange and adaptation to high-altitude environments.

Notable peaks include Gongga Shan (Mt. Gongga) in Sichuan and Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan, as well as the Haba Snow Mountain, among others. The Hengduan Mountains remain a focal point for studies of geology, biodiversity, and mountain cultures in China.