The site is a typical high-altitude wetland of the Tibetan Plateau, with densely distributed meadows, marshes, ponds and rivers. It feeds the upper reaches of the Yellow River, the second longest in China, which highlights its importance for water conservation. This vast wetland also limits rapid runoff of excess water, reducing flood risks further down the Yellow River basin. The site also acts as a vast carbon sink, with deep layers of peat having built up underneath the marshlands. These features and wetland types create suitable habitat for many threatened species including the vulnerable snow leopard (Uncia uncia) and two endangered musk deer (Moschus berezovskii and Moschus chrysogaster). Many bird species use the wetland as a stopover and breeding ground, including the vulnerable black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis).

Maqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, P.R. China