On the basis of our new geomorphologic, lacustrine and environmental feedback records and a reassess-ment of published date, the chronological framework of the evolution of Jinsha River valley drainage is reconstruc- ted. We suggest that the history of the Jinsha River valley drainage formation can be divided into 3 stages, namely embryonic stage (from the Pliocene to Early Pleistocene), initial development stage ( from the end of Early Pleisto- cene to Middle Pleistocene) and shaping stage ( later Pleistocene), and also propose the landforms pattern of Jinsha River including Dry-hot Valley should appear around the end of Early Pleistocene.