The Dongtang River

　　Originating from the Chahan Grassland at the western foot of the Riyue Mountains, the Dongtang River sits at an altitude of about 3,300 meters and stretches over 40 kilometers in length. Flowing from east to west, it empties into Qinghai Lake, hence its name “Dongtang,” which means “flowing eastward” (though it actually flows west). It is the smallest tributary in the Qinghai Lake water system. Not only does the river wind and twist through the landscape, but its waters are also crystal clear, resembling a bright ribbon draped across the grassland.

　　As the saying goes, all rivers in the world flow eastward. So why does the Dongtang River flow west? A beautiful and moving legend is told here: When Princess Wencheng descended from the top of the Riyue Mountains and prepared to continue her journey westward by horse, she could not help but look back toward her homeland. However, her view was blocked by the towering Riyue Mountains. Realizing she would never see her home again, the princess was overwhelmed with sorrow. Yet, for the sake of fostering friendship between the Han and Tibetan peoples, she wiped away her tears and continued westward. The small stream formed by her tears flowed with her—westward. That’s why people say the Dongtang River is made up of the princess’s tears.

　　In reality, the formation of the Dongtang River is directly related to the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Scientific studies indicate that around 130,000 years ago, Qinghai Lake was an outflow lake, with its waters flowing from west to east into the Yellow River. Later, due to intense geological changes, the Riyue Mountains suddenly rose from the ground, completely blocking the lake’s original outlet. Since then, Qinghai Lake has become an endorheic lake, and the outflowing waters were forced to reverse direction and flow back into the lake, thus giving rise to the Dongtang River.

　　There is a small town by the Dongtang River called Dongtanghe Town. It is the junction where the Qinghai-Tibet Highway and the Qinghai-Kangding Highway meet. The town features restaurants, inns, shops, banks, post offices, schools, transport stations, and clinics. Most travelers and passersby choose to rest and stay here.