Midui Glacier

Midui Glacier is a maritime glacier situated in Bomê County of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Spanning 8.5 kilometers in length, it originates at an elevation of 6,300 meters in the Gangrigabu Range and descends to 2,400 meters above sea level. The glacier is notable for its dramatic 800-meter icefall, characterized by steep slopes ranging from 45° to 70°, and terminates at a moraine lake situated at 2,800 meters elevation.

Ecology

Ecologically, Midui Glacier supports a transitional ecosystem that includes alpine meadows, coniferous forests dominated by spruce and fir, and dense rhododendron thickets. It serves as a critical habitat for endangered species such as the snow leopard '' and Himalayan blue sheep. The glacier's meltwater feeds tributaries of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, playing a vital role in regional hydrology.

Culture

The glacier holds significant spiritual value for local Monpa communities, who refer to it as Lhamo Yutso. Annual Kora rituals are performed during the Saga Dawa festival, aligning with Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Designated as one of "China's Most Beautiful Glaciers" by UNESCO in 2005, Midui Glacier has been under the protection of China's Glacier Protection Act since 2018. Tourism is regulated, with over 30,000 visitors annually, while restricted zones preserve ice cores dating back 1,500 years.