The name, Sanjiangyuan, actually means "Three Rivers' Headwaters." It's not only a huge water source for China, water from the plateau also flows into several other Asian countries.
In his latest report, Han Bin travelled to the reserve, to find out what local Tibetans are doing to keep this vital water source alive and healthy and how melting snow may be a sign of an impending crisis.
The 52-year-old Bangqiong Monastery Jiangyangluozhu sits on the edge of the Tibetan plateau and takes water from the foot of the mountain every day.
For thousands of years, the water has given life to the monks and local herdsmen. But over the past years, Jiangyangluozhu says he has seen the lakes disappearing, and mountain snow melting.
They believe every river, blade of grass and even stone, has its own life, and cherish deep feelings for them. The monk hopes the changes to the environment will slow, and people can do something to save the eco-system, that once provided so much.
What he doesn't know is that changes on the plateau have a huge impact on other changes. The eco-system governs the weather system, and determines the amount of water.
The first barrel of water is always used to worship the Buddha. It's a way to give thanks for the Buddha's generosity, and pray for sustainable wealth and harmony in life.
"I remember when I first arrived at the monastery at the age of 18, the river in front of the monastery was so big, that we had to cross on horseback. The grass used to be so high that it could hide animals. There was a lot of livestock as well. Now, water is much less. We can even walk across it. Vegetation in the area is also disappearing," said Jiangyangluozhu.
Bangqiong Monastery is about 4,000 meters above sea level. To the 200 monks there, preserving the water source and its surrounding eco-system is as important as their religion.
Sanjiangyuan, literally, the origin of China 's three major rivers, has and will continue to become warmer and wetter as a result of global warming. China established the Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve in 2000, hoping to repair the fragile eco-system. Local Tibetans regard preserving the water source here as preserving their own life and living.
Jiangyangluozhu wants more Tibetans to know about the environmental changes in Sanjiangyuan. He has become a water ranger. He is actively engaged in conservation and campaigning.
The family of Wangcairen has been living by the source for generations. They refused to be relocated to government-designated communities, mainly because they want to drink the water from here.
Water is regarded as the family's most valuable treasure. And Jiangyangluozhu's ceremony of worshipping with the water has made them treasure it even more.
"Buddhism believes water has eight merits, including life support, treatment for diseases and worshipping Buddha. Water belongs to the god Le So, and all life relies on it. Buddhism underscores Great Love. And people should be grateful to it," said Jiangyangluozhu.
Water at Sanjiangyuan used to be endless and almost all of it was drinkable. Now, things are changing. Jiangyangluozhu is aware of the problem.
As climate change continues to heat up, he prays that China's water tower, will survive the crisis, and the Bangqiong Monastery will continue to serve for thousands of years more.
