Yangtze River

Yangtze River

The Yangtze River (also known as the Chang Jiang or Long River) is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. The river is the longest in the world to flow entirely within one country. It drains one-fifth of the land area of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and its river basin is home to nearly one-third of the country's population.

Course

The Yangtze River flows from the glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in Qinghai eastward across southwest, central and eastern China before emptying into the East China Sea at Shanghai. It is navigable from Yibin to the river mouth at Shanghai, a distance of 2,250 miles (3,620 km).

History

The Yangtze River has played a major role in the history, culture and economy of China. For thousands of years, the river has been used for water, irrigation, sanitation, transportation, industry, boundary-marking and war. The prosperous Yangtze River Delta generates as much as 20% of the PRC's GDP.

Ecology

The Yangtze River boasts a large and diverse collection of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. However, it is also one of the most critically endangered ecosystems in the world, due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. The Chinese alligator, Yangtze sturgeon, finless porpoise, and the Yangtze River dolphin are among the notable species in the Yangtze.

Economy

The Yangtze River is a vital transport artery for China, connecting the interior with the coast. It is used for transporting a vast array of goods, from agricultural produce to industrial goods. The river is also a major source of hydroelectric power, with the Three Gorges Dam being the world's largest power station in terms of installed capacity.

See also

• List of rivers by length
• Geography of China
• Three Gorges Dam