The turbulent characteristics of the water flow in branch reach has an important influence on the change of the riverbed and the fish habitat，and the existing research on the turbulent characteristics of the horizontal distribution of the water flow in the branch reach is lacking.In order to clarify the turbulent characteristics of water flow in the branch reaches，we take the prototype of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River，carry out the generalized model test，and study distribution characteristics of three directions (longitudinal，transverse and vertical) time average velocity，turbulent strength and turbulent kinetic energy of water flow at different depths.The results show that there are low flow rates in the diversion and confluence area，where the water flow is strong.The turbulent strength of the flow at different depths is positively correlated with the horizontal section area of the beach body and negatively correlated with the distance from the riverbed.The strong turbulent area of the near bottom flow is dispersed.The strong turbulent area of the upper flow is concentrated.