Distribution of the River Systems in Shennongjia

The river systems in Shennongjia are vigorously developed, and radial structures of river systems are formed with Dashennongjia and Xiaoshennongjia as the centers. The area has a complex terrain characterized by high mountains, steep slopes, deep valleys and staggered trenches. The abundant rainfall and numerous rivers contributed to the formation of four major river systems, i.e., Duhe River, Nanhe River, Xiangxi River and Yandu River. There are a total of 317 large and small streams, all of which belong to the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. In the north of Shennongjia, there are Duhe River and Nanhe River, which flow into the Hanjiang River. In the south of Shennongjia, there are Xiangxi River and Yandu River (Shennong Stream), which flow into the Yangtze River. 

Duhe River System: Duhe River is the largest tributary of the Hanjiang River and an important water source for the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. It spans Shaanxi and Hubei provinces, with a total main stream length of 354km, a basin area of 12,430km², an average slope of 4.81%, an average elevation of the basin of 1,034m and a natural drop of 1,586m. 

Nanhe River System: Nanhe River is a tributary of the Hanjiang River, originating from Shennongding of Shennongjia. It spans from Guanmen River to Yutou River, with a drainage area of 533m², an annual average runoff of 24.53m³/s, a total drop of 55.2m and a theoretical hydropower reserve of 10,830kW. 

Xiangxi River System: Xiangxi River is a primary tributary of the Yangtze River, originating from the 45km-long Dangyang River and the 68.5km-long Jiuchong River in Shennongjia. Its total basin area is 3,207m². 

Yandu River System: Yandu River, also known as Shennong Stream, is a tributary of the Yangtze River, with a drainage area of 219 m² and a basin length of 17km.