Yangtze

Dusk on the Yangtze River

Mouth of the Yangtze 1754

Portrait map of China

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长江源头

Yangtze at First Bridge

1 changjiang yangtze aerial pano first turn shigu 2018

Yangtze River

The Yangtze River, known in China as the Chang Jiang (长江), is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, after the Nile and the Amazon River. Stretching over 6,300 kilometers (3,917 miles) from the glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in Qinghai eastward to the East China Sea at Shanghai, the Yangtze traverses eleven provinces and cities, playing a crucial role in the history, culture, and economy of China.

Geography

The Yangtze River originates from the Tanggula Mountains in Qinghai Province and flows through a wide array of landscapes, including alpine regions, deep gorges, and fertile plains, before emptying into the East China Sea. The river basin is home to a third of China's population and is vital for its agricultural production, providing water for crops, fishery resources, and hydroelectric power. Major tributaries of the Yangtze include the Jialing River, the Han River, and the Yalong River.

History

The Yangtze has been a significant waterway in China's history, serving as a boundary between northern and southern China in various periods. It has been a site for several historical events, including battles and floods. The river has also been central to China's economic development, facilitating trade and transport for centuries.

Economy

The Yangtze River Delta is one of the most economically vibrant regions in China, hosting a plethora of industries, from agriculture to manufacturing and services. The river is also crucial for hydroelectric power, with the Three Gorges Dam being the world's largest power station by installed capacity. This dam has significantly impacted the river's ecosystem and the lives of local populations, sparking both domestic and international debates on its environmental and social implications.

Environmental Concerns

The Yangtze River faces several environmental challenges, including pollution, habitat destruction, and the impact of climate change. Overfishing and the construction of dams have threatened the biodiversity of the river, including the critically endangered Yangtze River dolphin. Efforts are being made to address these issues, with the Chinese government implementing laws and regulations to protect the river's ecosystem.

Culture

The Yangtze River has a rich cultural significance in China, inspiring countless works of literature, art, and folklore. It is often associated with symbolic meanings of life, renewal, and continuity. The river has also been a source of inspiration for poets and artists throughout Chinese history, reflecting its deep cultural and spiritual significance.

See Also

• Geography of China
• List of rivers of China
• Three Gorges Dam
• Yangtze River Delta