[Objective] The spatial distribution characteristics were studied in order for rational utilization of water resources utilization and ecological protection in the middle and upper Nujiang River Basin.[Methods] Making use of observations from meteorological stations, the performance of TRMM(tropical rainfall measuring mission) 3B43 product in the middle and upper Nujiang River Basin was verified, and then the applicability of MOD16(moderate-resolution imagine spectroradiometer) products were further examined. The spatial distribution characteristics of evapotranspiration and water yield were analyzed.[Results] ① At monthly scale, the correlation coefficient between TRMM 3B43 estimates and rain gauge observations was 0.86, indicating TRMM 3B43 data had good accuracy in the middle and upper Nujiang River Basin. The evapotranspiration obtained from MOD16 data was higher, but still had applicability. ② The mean annual evapotranspiration in the study area mainly ranged from 300 to 800 mm, and the regional mean value was 489.4 mm. ③ The spatial distribution of (P-E) was similar to that of P, while (P-E)/P(0.33) in barren areas and smaller in vegetation-covered areas.[Conclusion] The spatial distribution of evapotranspiration was heterogeneous, showing a low-high-low-high variation along the river. With widespread coverage and continuous observation, MOD16 products could provide reliable support for evapotranspiration research in lack-data watershed.