Chuma’er River Bridge in Yushu, Qinghai

Chuma’er River Bridge (楚玛尔河大桥) is a key infrastructure project located in the Sanjiangyuan National Park (三江源国家公园) in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (玉树藏族自治州), Qinghai Province. It is part of the G215 National Highway (G215国道) renovation project aimed at replacing outdated and unsafe bridges. This bridge crosses the Chuma’er River (楚玛尔河), the northern source of the Yangtze River (长江), and faces several engineering challenges, including high-altitude conditions with an average elevation of 4600 meters.

Geographical Location

  • Region: Located in the core area of Sanjiangyuan National Park, which is a critical ecological zone in Tibet, this bridge spans the Chuma’er River (楚玛尔河), also known as Qu’malai River (曲麻莱河) or Chuma’er River, and is part of the Yangtze River (长江) watershed.

  • Elevation: The bridge is built at an altitude of approximately 4600 meters (15,092 feet), which presents significant challenges for construction due to the high-altitude environment.

Bridge Design and Construction

Bridge Specifications

  • Length: The total length of the bridge is 966 meters.

  • Structure: The bridge uses a 12-span (4×20 meters) continuous steel box girder (钢箱梁) structure.

  • Design Load: The bridge is designed for a Class I highway with a design speed of 60 km/h.

  • Piles: The pile diameter is 1.4 meters with a pile length of 25 meters, and the maximum pier height is 5.4 meters.

Construction Progress

  • The first pile foundation construction was completed successfully on July 1, 2025. The project is expected to be completed and open to traffic in 2026.

Technical Challenges

  • High-altitude Work: The bridge construction site faces significant challenges due to the high-altitude environment, with an average elevation of 4600 meters. Workers must contend with issues such as permafrost (frozen ground), low oxygen levels, and extreme weather conditions.

  • Innovative Construction: The project utilizes lightweight health monitoring systems and innovative steel box girder welding techniques to ensure durability and safety at such high altitudes.

  • Ecological Protection: Strict environmental measures are in place to control wastewater and waste disposal to minimize disruption to the Sanjiangyuan ecosystem, a critical area for biodiversity conservation.

Strategic Importance

Once completed, the Chuma’er River Bridge will significantly improve the transportation network in Yushu Prefecture, enhancing the efficiency of transporting agricultural and livestock products. It will also promote the development of Sanjiangyuan’s tourism resources by making the area more accessible.

Connection to G215 National Highway

The bridge is a vital link in the renovation of the G215 National Highway and is a key part of the highway’s efforts to modernize and replace outdated infrastructure. This upgrade will enhance the road’s safety and functionality, facilitating economic growth and regional connectivity.

Environmental and Ecological Features

Ecological Significance of the Region

The Sanjiangyuan National Park is the source of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Mekong Rivers, making it one of the most ecologically important regions in China. The Chuma’er River, which flows through this area, is an integral part of the river system and is located in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (青藏高原), characterized by a dry climate with annual precipitation ranging from 250 to 300 mm. The surrounding landscape features vast desertified valleys, scattered sandy gravel areas, and shrinking lakes, creating a unique high-altitude environment.

Flora and Fauna

The region is home to permafrost, scant vegetation, and a fragile ecosystem, making ecological preservation a critical consideration for the bridge’s construction. The Chuma’er River is located within the Yangtze River Source Nature Reserve, and its upper reaches are adjacent to the Kekexili Nature Reserve (可可西里自然保护区), a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Endemic Species

The region is also known for the presence of endemic species, including rare wildlife and plants that are adapted to the harsh conditions of the Tibetan Plateau.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Tibetan Heritage

The Chuma’er River holds cultural and historical importance for the Tibetan people. The name “Chuma’er” in Tibetan means “Red Water River,” and the area is rich in Tibetan heritage. The river passes through an area of cultural significance, contributing to the livelihood and spiritual practices of the local Tibetan communities.

Connection to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

The Chuma’er River Station (楚玛尔河站) on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway (青藏铁路) is located near this bridge. This railway is one of the highest in the world and connects the region to other parts of China, further enhancing the accessibility and economic development of the area.

Future Impact and Development

Tourism Development

With improved access provided by the new bridge, the Sanjiangyuan National Park and surrounding regions are expected to see a rise in tourism. The area’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and Tibetan culture make it an ideal destination for eco-tourism and cultural tourism.

Logistical Benefits

The bridge’s completion will also improve the logistics for transporting agricultural and livestock products, benefiting the local economy and improving living standards for the Tibetan population in the region.