Abstract: In this paper, based on field investigation data on vegetation ecology from 8 typical sections of the Jinsha River in 2013, the vegetation spatial heterogeneity of valleys along the river and its influence on ecological restoration were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Results show that 1) There are obvious regional diversities of vegetation in the valleys from the downstream to upstream in Jinsha River, namely landscape pattern, vegetation community, and species composition; 2) Quantitative analysis results show that, as for the valleys of Jinsha River, vegetation community has a tendency of incomplete structure and monotonous composition, and main types of vegetation are shrubs and herbs, with characteristics of psychrophyte and xerophytic plant; 3) The analysis results show that, the spatial heterogeneity of natural vegetation essentially reflects the ecological environment of valleys along Jinsha River, in the ecological restoration ,we should obey the natural law of spatial heterogeneity of vegetation, meanwhile ,effective measures should be taken to make good use of seed resources of native plants in terms of region and vegetation type, and shrubs and herbs suitable for arid region should be firstly applied. On the basis of this, we take measures in steps and stages to promote ecological restoration.

Key words: spatial heterogeneity, ecological restoration, vegetation, resources investigation, Jinsha River