Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve Monument

　　The Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve Monument is situated next to the Tongtianhe River Bridge in Jiegu Town, the capital of Yushu Prefecture. It can be reached via National Highway 214 and lies 780 kilometers from Xining. This is a grassland-type natural scenic tourism area. Carved from granite, the main body of the monument stands 6.621 meters tall, symbolizing the height of the Geladandong Snow Mountain at 6,621 meters, the source of the Yangtze River. The base of the monument covers an area of 363 square meters, representing the 363,000 square kilometers of the Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve. The pedestal is 4.2 meters high, symbolizing the average elevation of 4,200 meters of the Sanjiangyuan area. The main structure is composed of 56 pieces of granite, symbolizing China’s 56 ethnic groups. At the top of the monument are two giant hands, symbolizing humanity’s protection of the “Sanjiangyuan.” The front of the monument bears eight large characters, “Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve,” personally inscribed by the former President of China. The back features an inscription written by Buhe, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. The entire monument is beautifully designed, rich in symbolism, and imposing in presence. The Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve Monument was officially unveiled on August 19, 2000, marking the formal establishment of the Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve.