Water yield services on the Qingzang Plateau (QP) have profound impacts on the social and economic development of China as well as other parts of Asia. This study analyzes spatiotemporal variations of water yield on the Qingzang Plateau over the past three decades (1982-2015) and driving factors, one of which is lake changes influenced by glacial meltwater caused by global warming. The findings provide scientific support for formulating regional water resources policy, social and economic development planning and other macro decisions for the QP.