For the First Time: How China’s Only Un–dammed Major River Was Successfully Protected
Dr. Shuai Shi
The most iconic landscape of the Nujiang River—First Bend of the Nujiang.
Steadfast in Our Original Aspiration, Pursuing Dreams on Fertile Land
The Nujiang River is one of the major rivers in Southwest China. It originates from the Tanggula Mountains in the Tibet Autonomous Region and flows southward through Yunnan Province. Upon entering Myanmar, it is known as the Salween River and eventually empties into the Indian Ocean. Spanning approximately 3,200 kilometers in total, the river covers 1,958 kilometers within China. With its deep gorges and rapid currents, the Nujiang River has a natural elevation drop of 4,840 meters, making it rich in hydropower resources. The Nujiang Grand Canyon is regarded as a “natural landmark.” In Yunnan, the Nujiang flows parallel to the Lancang River (Mekong) and the Jinsha River (upper Yangtze), yet each follows its own distinct course. This “Three Parallel Rivers” phenomenon is an exceptionally rare geographical spectacle worldwide and has been designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Standing atop a high vantage point, one cannot help but marvel at nature’s artistic mastery, where water flows like drifting clouds. Given its massive water flow and steep elevation drop, the Nujiang theoretically holds up to 50,000 megawatts of hydropower potential, nearly twice the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam. Many may wonder: Why hasn’t a hydropower dam been built to harness this immense energy? The answer is far from simple!
Location of the Three Parallel Rivers World Natural Heritage Site – Image sourced from the web
At the beginning of this century, as China accelerated its development, the hydropower sector began planning the exploitation of the Nujiang River’s hydropower potential. In 2003, Yunnan Province and national power authorities drafted the “Nujiang Middle and Lower Reaches Hydropower Planning Report,” which proposed a “two reservoirs and thirteen levels” development plan. The total estimated investment was 89.646 billion yuan, with a planned installed capacity of 21.32 million kilowatts and an expected annual electricity generation of 102.96 billion kilowatt-hours. In August 2003, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) held a review meeting in Beijing. Although the report was approved, the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) raised concerns about the Nujiang hydropower development plan.
At a subsequent expert forum, 27 experts, including five academicians, opposed the development of hydropower on the Nujiang River. They argued that such a project did not align with the principles of genuine sustainable development and advocated for preserving an ecologically intact river for future generations. This controversy quickly caught media attention and evolved into a nationwide debate. A diverse range of stakeholders joined the discussion, including local governments, environmental agencies, hydropower corporations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international institutions, experts, scholars, and the general public. By late October, opposition within China had intensified. At a meeting hosted by the China Environmental Culture Promotion Association, 62 individuals from the fields of science, culture, arts, journalism, and grassroots environmental advocacy jointly voiced their opposition to the construction of the Nujiang dams. Prominent environmental NGOs, including Beijing Green Earth Volunteers and the U.S.-based International Fund for China’s Environment (IFCE), played an active role in this movement.
In 2004, Dr. He Ping, President of the International Fund for China’s Environment (IFCE), sent a letter to President Hu Jintao through the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). In the letter, he warned that dam construction on the Nujiang River would lead to the disappearance of endangered species, cause irreparable damage to cultural diversity, and significantly harm the unique natural landscapes of the region. He emphasized that hydropower development would severely degrade the river’s pristine environment. At the end of the letter, Dr. He cited a historical precedent from the United States:”When the U.S. debated whether to build a dam in the Grand Canyon, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, ‘Such a magnificent landscape should be preserved for future generations forever.’ Today, the Grand Canyon remains one of the most cherished natural landmarks in the United States, and the tourism revenue it generates far exceeds what could have been earned from hydropower.” Dr. He concluded with a poignant question:”Can we preserve the Nujiang River in its entirety for future generations?” (“A Letter to President Hu Jintao on the Development of Nujiang,” IFCE Policy Recommendations Collection, p.2, 2015).
Facing the intense public debate, then Premier Wen Jiabao issued a directive stating that “large-scale hydropower projects that trigger significant public concern and environmental objections should be carefully studied and decided upon through scientific evaluation.” This marked a turning point in the Nujiang hydropower development debate. As a result, the development plan was put on hold, effectively bringing the project to a temporary halt.
In 2013, the Nujiang hydropower development plan was adjusted from the original “two reservoirs and thirteen levels” scheme to a scaled-down “one reservoir and four levels” approach. This revised plan was included in both the 12th Five-Year Plan for Hydropower Development and the 12th Five-Year Plan for Renewable Energy. During a meeting at the IFCE office in Washington, D.C., Ms. Wang Yongchen, the founder of Beijing Green Earth Volunteers, shared this update with Dr. He Ping. Expressing deep concern, she remarked, “This time, it may be difficult to stop the project, as the environmental authorities claim that the adjustments have already taken into account the concerns of ecological experts, the public, and civil society organizations.”
To gain a deeper understanding of the Nujiang River’s ecosystem and its overall development, Dr. He Ping decided to conduct an on-site investigation. In May 2013, accompanied by Lian, Fang, the founding president of the Yunnan Association for the Promotion of Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation and then IFCE Yunnan Representative, along with other experts, Dr. He embarked on his Nujiang expedition. “Not fearing floating clouds that obscure the view, wish to be the starlight that guards these mountains and rivers.” Starting from Liuku town, the team traveled upstream along the river. Immersed in the breathtaking Nujiang River Basin, Dr. He deeply felt the unique artistic conception and charm of the connection between human beings and all things. The original ecological species in Nujiang River allow people to immerse themselves in and feel the charm of the nature. The Nujiang Grand Canyon, where the river flows, features towering mountains, rushing waters, and a highly diverse climate. Within a stretch of less than 300 kilometers from Liuku to Bingzhongluo, the landscape transitions through five distinct ecosystems: Tropical rainforest ecosystem, Forest ecosystem, Wetland ecosystem, Alpine grassland ecosystem, and River ecosystem. This region serves as a home for numerous rare and endangered species, making it one of the world’s most critical biodiversity conservation areas. For example, there is a “handsome monkey” called the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, which lives here. Additionally, the Nujiang River Basin is home to over twenty ethnic minority groups, including the Lisu, Nu, Dulong, Bai, and Pumi peoples, each contributing to the area’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Dr. He Ping and the research team conducting a field investigation on the Nujiang River
Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkey – Image sourced from the web
After an arduous field investigation, Dr. He Ping and the accompanying experts concluded that hydropower development on the Nujiang River would have severe impacts on the region’s plants, animals, and ecosystems. The team also observed that preliminary work on the project had already begun, and construction was imminent. This realization underscored the urgent need for immediate conservation efforts—there was no time to waste!
After completing the investigation and engaging in thorough discussions with other IFCE experts, Dr. He Ping submitted a report to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) titled “Recommendation to Halt Hydropower Development on the Nujiang River.” In this report, he identified five major flaws in the project and urged that it should be “immediately stopped.” The five critical issues outlined in the report were as follows:
First, it will increase the risk of earthquakes and geological disasters. The Nujiang Grand Canyon is located along the major Nujiang Fault Zone, a region with complex geological conditions. The presence of underground karst caves, fault lines, and unstable rock formations poses significant risks. These geological factors could directly impact the safety and stability of dams.
Second, it will cause serious harm to biological diversity. The Nujiang is a pristine river, and hydropower development will prevent it from being protected as a natural heritage. Hydropower development can easily cause ecosystem damage.
The lush forest vegetation of the Nujiang Grand Canyon
Third, it will have a major impact on the ethnic diversity of the canyon. Hydropower cannot solve the poverty problem of the people, and it will also affect the way of living of the people along Nujiang.
A glimpse of the festive celebrations of Nujiang Prefecture residents
Fourth, it will seriously damage tourism development.
Fifth, it will have a serious negative impact on China’s international image.
The CPPCC highly valued Dr. He Ping’s report, which was submitted as a special briefing (“政协信息专报”) directly to then-Vice Premiers Zhang Gaoli and Wang Yang (see image below). The State Council adopted the recommendations, leading to the halt of the Nujiang hydropower development project.
The special report submitted by the CPPCC to the State Council, featuring Dr. He Ping’s recommendations.
Xu, Guanghua, a former senior official in the Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee of the CPPCC , reflected on Dr. He Ping’s efforts in policy advocacy. He remarked: “In fact, China’s planning for hydropower development on the Nujiang River began as early as the 1950s. From 1958 to 1959, the Kunming Survey and Design Institute (Kunming Institute) conducted a comprehensive survey of the Nujiang mainstream within Yunnan Province and produced the ‘Nujiang Mainstream Hydropower Resource Survey Report’. In August 2003, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) approved the ‘Two Reservoirs and Thirteen Levels’ hydropower development plan for the middle and lower reaches of the Nujiang (from Songta to the China-Myanmar border). The Nujiang, Lancang (Mekong), and Jinsha (Upper Yangtze) Rivers are collectively known as the Three Parallel Rivers and are among the major waterways in Southwest China. While the Jinsha River has seen the construction of the Baihetan Hydropower Station and the Lancang River has the Nuozhadu Hydropower Station, the Nujiang remains the only major river in China without a large-scale hydropower project. Why did the Nujiang River become the only major river in China without a large hydropower station? This would not have been possible without Dr. He Ping’s relentless advocacy and perseverance!”
In February 2004, Premier Wen put the Nujiang hydropower project on hold. However, the situation changed in 2013 when the State Council issued the “12th Five-Year Plan for Energy Development,” which was formally released on January 23. The plan outlined over 50 key hydropower projects scheduled to begin construction before 2015. Among them, the Songta Hydropower Base on the Nujiang River was listed as a priority construction project. As a result, Nujiang hydropower development once again became a heated national controversy.
Because of Dr. He Ping’s relentless efforts and his visionary insights, the State Council intervened, leading to a decisive outcome. The Yunnan Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment and the Yunnan Provincial Department of Water Resources jointly announced the stop of hydropower development on the Nujiang River. From that moment, Nujiang hydropower development was completely stopped. In 2016, Yunnan Province officially launched the Nujiang Highway Tourism Development Project, shifting the region’s focus from hydropower to eco-friendly tourism. With far-sighted environmental policies, the Nujiang River was finally preserved—a landmark victory for conservation.
Daring to Lead, Protecting Mountains and Rivers.
Karl Marx once said: “Man should not be overly intoxicated by the joy of conquering nature. Every time humanity conquers nature, nature will retaliate against humanity.” Dr. He Ping echoed this sentiment by quoting Su Dongpo’s verse: “Life is like the fleeting traces of a wild goose on snow-covered mud. The imprints may remain for a moment, but the bird flies on, indifferent to direction.” Through these words, he expressed his lifelong mission. Departing from his usual demeanor as a humble scholar, Dr. He took a firm stance in his report to the State Council, writing with conviction and urgency: “Immediate halt!” His investigation report reflected the deep influence of his Hunan cultural upbringing—a philosophy rooted in coexistence with nature, a strong sense of crisis, compassion, critical thinking, and responsibility. He used persuasive information and data to express his love for natural life and the voice of a scholar with a great soul.
The International Fund for China’s Environment (IFCE) was founded in 1996 in Washington, D.C. by a group of Chinese scholars and experts who had studied in the United States in the 1980s. Its primary mission is to support environmental improvement in China as a means to contribute to global sustainable development.
As the co-founder and president of IFCE, Dr. He Ping has played a pivotal role in advancing environmental cooperation between China and the international community. Dr. He graduated from Wuhan College of Surveying and Mapping (now Wuhan University) and pursued further studies in the United States in the mid-1980s. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin and has since dedicated his career to environmental technology exchange, policy advocacy, and public capacity building between China and the world.
In 1999, the First U.S.-China Environmental NGO Cooperation Forum was held in Washington, D.C., with 99 representatives in attendance. Prominent international environmental organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), sent delegates to participate. This forum was later documented in the U.S. State Department’s Annual Report on U.S.-China Exchanges. For the first time, over a dozen of Chinese grassroots environmental NGOs, including Friends of Nature and Beijing Green Earth, made their debut on the international stage. Following this, IFCE began hosting the forum every two years, which also provided training and collaboration opportunities. By 2003, the third forum held in Beijing evolved into the International Environmental NGO Forum, expanding beyond the U.S. and Europe to include organizations from Australia, Japan, and other countries. With 450 participants, it became the largest of its kind. The People’s Daily hailed it as a “historic breakthrough for China’s environmental NGOs.” In 2002, the United Nations officially recognized IFCE as a major international environmental organization, further solidifying its role in China’s environmental protection efforts. Starting in 2004, IFCE began submitting policy recommendations to China’s government via the CPPCC. Over the years, it has presented more than 30 reports on topics including: Land system reform, Watershed management, Energy efficiency and technology, Causes of air pollution and smog, Low-carbon development and Regulation of endangered species trade. These reports have had a positive impact on policy-making, and the CPPCC acknowledged IFCE as the overseas organization that has provided the most and highest-quality recommendations to the Chinese government.
Ms. Lian Fang, who accompanied Dr. He Ping during the Nujiang investigation in 2013, was deeply moved. She reflected: “The successful protection of the Nujiang River is the result of joint efforts by experts, society, and all levels of government—from the national to the local level—as well as the local people. It represents a shift from a development-focused approach to a balance between development and conservation. It is a concrete example of the principle that ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.’”Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” the Nujiang Grand Canyon is globally recognized alongside the Grand Canyon in the U.S. and the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon in Tibet. However, Nujiang’s canyon is even longer than the Grand Canyon, stretching more than twice its length—while the Grand Canyon in the U.S. is only 440 kilometers long, the Nujiang Grand Canyon extends much farther from north to south. Additionally, Nujiang’s depths surpass those of the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon’s deepest point reaches 1,830 meters, whereas the Nujiang Grand Canyon’s depths exceed 2,000 meters, with most sections surpassing 3,000 meters. Unlike the Grand Canyon, which was once home to Indigenous Native American tribes but is now sparsely inhabited, the Nujiang Grand Canyon remains a “living canyon.” Multiple ethnic minorities have lived here for generations, coexisting peacefully with nature, and embracing a life of tranquility and harmony.
Peacock Mountain, the main peak of the Biluo Snow Mountains on the east bank of the Nujiang River
Nujiang Today, A Pride of China.
Today, Nujiang Prefecture has transformed from a symbol of extreme poverty into a model for rural revitalization and ecological civilization. By promoting eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture, the region has provided new income opportunities for local residents. Products such as high-mountain tea and eco-friendly honey from the Nujiang River Basin have gained popularity due to their pristine environment and unique climate conditions. In recent years, Nujiang has actively embraced the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, deepening the ecological civilization mindset and strengthening its commitment to green development. Nujiang Prefecture has been designated as part of the fourth batch of National Ecological Civilization Demonstration Zones. Gongshan County was named a National “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains” Innovation Base and awarded the title of “China’s Natural Oxygen Bar.” Nujiang has truly embraced ecological prosperity—residents now benefit from the “golden food bowl” of environmental conservation, the happiness of tourism-driven growth, and the path to wealth through sustainable industries.
The 70th anniversary conference of the establishment of Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture was grandly held in December 2024. Nujiang successfully held two international forums on poverty reduction governance and global development (Nujiang), providing a Chinese example for global poverty reduction and modern development. In February 2021, the Nujiang Prefecture Committee won the title of “National Advanced Group in Poverty Alleviation”. The global brand influence of “Secret Valley” Nujiang Coffee continues to increase. 65,000 acres of ecological tea are planted, with a comprehensive output value of 170 million yuan. “Tea from Atour Village” is customized and underwritten by Atour Group and supplied to more than 1,300 chain hotels across the country, driving an average income increase of more than 20,000 yuan for each farmer. 9,500 acres of small berries were planted, leading to a steady increase in income for 92,800 people in 28,500 households. Characteristic livestock and poultry such as Dulong cattle, Gaoligong mountain pigs, black-bone sheep, and Ake chickens have developed steadily.
The people of Nujiang singing and dancing in celebration of a festive occasion
The Qilian Lake Scenic Area of Nujiang Prefecture was awarded the “Top Ten National Adventure Tourism Boutique Scenic Area”. A number of integrated development complexes such as Nujiang Green Spice Industrial Park, Bainiao Valley Scenic Area, Xiaoshaba Scenic Area, and Baihualing Scenic Area have been built, further enhancing the core attractiveness of Nujiang travel and residence products.
A grand cultural performance in Nujiang Dulong Autonomous County
Since 2017, Nujiang has held international and domestic kayaking events such as the International Open, World Cup, and Tokyo Olympic Trials for 8 consecutive years. Nujiang kayaking events have become one of the influential sports tourism competitions in Yunnan Province and have been listed. For the “Belt and Road, Colorful Yunnan” series of brand events, it was named the top ten fine sports tourism events in China in 2022 and has become an importantmap for Yunnan Province to build a strong sports province with a plateau.
The 2024 China Nujiang Wildwater Canoeing International Open
Dr. He Ping said that the Nujiang model is a demonstration sample of “green development and ecological civilization”. He believes that Nujiang’s model from giving up hydropower to developing an ecological economy is a model of global “sustainable development” and should allow more people to understand and learn. (Written by Dr. Shi Shuai, Secretary-General of the Chinese Writers Association of North America.)
Dr. Shuai Shi (the author) and Dr. He Ping at the Li Zijian Art Museum, Changsha, China