Abstract: The lower Jinsha River region is characterized by intricate engineering geological conditions and a high frequency of landslide hazards, which significantly jeopardize the safe operation of cascade hydropower stations and pose a threat to public safety. This study, grounded in field investigations and a systematic statistical analysis of 353 landslides within the study area, investigates the distribution characteristics and failure modes of these hazards. The key findings are:(1) Landslide development is synergistically controlled by three dominant factors: lithology, bank slope structure, and geological structure. (2) Lithologically, clastic rock formations are the most extensive landslide type, covering 45.4% of the study area, whereas carbonate rock formations display the highest landslide density, with the affected area comprising 7.5% of the corresponding rock group. Structurally, layered bank slopes are the most susceptible to failure, with consequent slopes showing the leading proportions in number, volume, and density. Tectonically, more than 55% of the landslides are concentrated within a 2 km buffer of the main fault zones. (3) A novel classification system is established based on the coupling of these factors, delineating "formation-controlled" models (eight sub-types) and "structure-controlled" models (predominantly characterized by fault fragmentation and cutting). Results offer a theoretical foundation for landslide identification, risk evaluation, and strategies for disaster prevention and mitigation in the lower Jinsha River region.