The three rivers running side by side are Jinsha River, Lancang River and Nujiang River, three rivers originating from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, running 170 kilometers from north to south in Yunnan Province, crossing the mountains of Danglika Mountain, Gaoligong Mountain, Nushan Mountain and Yunling Mountain. The upper part of the three parallel rivers is in southeastern Tibet and the lower part is in Yunnan Province. The three parallel rivers area is the richest geological and geomorphological Museum in the world. Forty million years ago, the collision between the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate triggered the sharp compression, uplift and cutting of the Hengduan Mountains. Alpine mountains and rivers alternately spread, forming the world's unique natural wonder of three rivers running 170 km parallel.
At one time, Yunnan "three rivers flow side by side" scenic spots covered a wide range of areas, most of which were scarcely visited and had a difficult journey. This recommended route starts from Lijiang, crosses three rivers and four mountains. Although it can preliminarily appreciate the peculiar natural and cultural landscape of the "three rivers flow side by side" area, the journey is more arduous and suitable only for outdoor sports enthusiasts.