Stretching along the eastern side of China, the Yangtze river ranks as the country’s longest river, winding through 10 provinces starting from the glaciers of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Serving as an important north-south route throughout history, the Yangtze river’s length has been estimated by various experts throughout the years. In general, the waterway measures at 6,300 kilometres (km), making it one of the longest rivers in the world.
In most studies, the Yangtze river’s source has been considered the headwaters of the Tongtian river, located in the hilly and limestone northern Chongqing city. The Tongtian river serves as Yangtze’s upstream tributary, merging into the natural boundary between the Sichuan province and the Yunnan province. From there, the waterway progressively increases in size, meandering through the north-eastern side of Sichuan, crossing the Hubei plains, and flowing into the Eastern China Sea.
Two of the major branches, the Yalong River and the Daning River, join to form the region’s largest river, the Jinsha river. The Daning river gathers a greater amount of the Yangtze’s water while the Yalong river forms a distinct, cohesive water body.
In the lower section of the river, the waterway widens considerably, forming an extensive alluvial plain as it flows into an extensive estuary, finally arriving at the Shanghai delta. Here, three other, smaller rivers, the Zhe, the Huai and the Qiantang, merge into the Yangtze’s main channel, adding to the river’s length contribution.
Arguably, the most crucial impact of the Yangtze river can be found along the Chinese people. Almost 10% of the Chinese population lives along the Yangtze valley, relying on its waters for agriculture, transportation, and fishing. The basin and its tributaries have been providing an endless stream of resources to the Chinese people.
And yet, despite its long history, the Yangtze river has not yet been completely measured. Due to its proximity to the highland glaciers, the Yangtze basin has been subject to fluctuations in length and width, with recent estimates flowing between 4,000 to 6,300 kilometres (km).
The discrepancy can be attributed to the level of complexity of the basin’s structure and the tendency of the Chinese people to simply estimate the waterway instead of viewing it as a single body, neglecting to measure the lower reaches. Overall, the most commonly accepted figures measure the Yangtze river, in km, at 6,300.
The Yangtze Marine Corridor
One of the river’s most impressive features, the Yangtze Marine corridor, is a water-covered byway located in waters of the Eastern China Sea.
Traveling over 600 km – approximately 59% of which is covered by artificial channels – the marine corridor is a winter and summer migration paths for over 400 fish species, notably the Chinese sturgeon, a vital species of the aquatic ecosystem.
These artificial channels play an immense role in maintaining the functioning of the river, decreasing the duration of the river’s natural transfer from weeks to days.
The three most significant channels – Huning, Shanghai and Ershui – measure at 140, 170 and 183 km respectively, substantially altering the Yangtze’s ecology.
Over the years, the construction of the water arteries was intended to establish efficient water management, increase irrigation and flood control management and provide better transportation links in the region.
China has taken significant steps to promote sustainability along with the development of new ports, shipyards, factories and production centers, however, only time will tell how the impact of the Yangtze river’s marine corridor on the waterway’s ecology.
Yangtze River Basin
The Yangtze river’s vast basin, extending over 1.8 million square kilometres, is home to an endless array of exotic landscapes. Every inch of the region has its own unique aspects, ranging from the Tibetan Plateau in the Western region to the Sichuan basin and the Hubei plains in the South.
Two of the Yangtze’s most important tributaries, the Qiantang and the Min rivers basins, serve as home to some of the most famous urban centres in China, among them the cities of Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Fuzhou.
The Yangtze valley’s landscape forms an incomparable mixture of gorges, plains and mountains, making it an appealing area for nature-lovers and adventure-seekers alike. Some of the river’s most significant features stem from its diverse geography, ranging from the Three gorges, the Longmen expeditions, and the eruption of the Yellow Mountain.
The most salient of all would be the world-famous Three gorges, a series of three waterfalls located in the river’s lower reaches, serving as important cultural landmarks of China.
The rapids create a distinct sight for the visitors and sailors alike, as the waters of the river’s largest tributary, the Jialin River, cascade down from a height of up to fifty meters.
Damming the Yangtze
Perhaps the Yangtze river’s most ambitious project, the Three Gorges Dam, officially completed in 2008, has represented a major structural milestone for the river. The dam has challenged traditional hydroelectric power techniques, becoming one of the most significant infrastructure developments of the century.
The 3,860 meters long construction, made out of reinforced concrete, has offered many advantages to the inhabitants of the valley, such as improved hydropower, irrigation efficiency, and navigation capabilities.
For the local and international businesses, the waterway has provided access to improved transportation, potentially leading to increased profits for the Chinese economy.
Nevertheless, the controversial construction has faced multiple issues concerning its environmental and social impacts. Western experts have raised their concerns related to population displacement, loss of the Yangtze’s wetlands and natural habitats, sedimentation of the riverbed, water generation, and others.
In spite of the various criticisms, the Dam has still become an integral feature on the Yangtze river, with plans for an ever-expanding number of ship-lift locks that can carry vessels up to 4,500 tonnes in capacity.
Human Impact on the Yangtze River
The Yangtze, with its huge impact on the local population, has often been subject to human negligence and exploitation. According to recent studies, the water pollution has been degrading the aquatic environment, with major influence on the water-dependent species, such as the Chinese sturgeon.
Specifically, agricultural and industrial waste, such as fertilizer and hazardous substances, have been an ongoing problem, with non-sustainable techniques depleting the waters’ abilities to preserve the aquatic life.
Furthermore, the dam’s construction works have sought to reduce the levels of water flow and volume, thus bringing even more damage to the river’s ecosystems. And yet, China has already started the process of restoring the environment, enacted various improvements in the region, and striving for a better future.
Politics and the Yangtze River
The Yangtze river is one of the most utilized channels in the region, and its significance has been highlighted by multiple political figures.
Most recently, the river’s international agenda has been making headlines in the news, as China’s largest and powerful leaders, including President Xi Jinping, have aimed to highlight the Yangtze’s immense potential with an array of initiatives
Among these, the National Yangtze River Technical Inspection Station serves as a base for the state council’s Yangtse River Office, allowing the region to benefit from a well-connected infrastructure.
The Office’s objective is to lower potential impacts of development on the river, promoting water resources harmonization and improving navigation opportunity.
Other government plans have sought to modernize transportation services throughout the region and strengthen the presence of maritime services further.
Final Thoughts on the Yangtze River
The Yangtze river is an essential part of China’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
From economic trade to environmental conservation, the 6,300 km long waterway continues to provide plentiful resources to Chinese people and businesses.
And yet, with its substantial human impact, the Yangtze’s sources of life could be further depleted if proper mechanisms are not taken into account.
The government of China has been taking preventive measures, such as modernization of their water-ways, and awareness-raising campaigns. All in all, the Yangtze river remains one of the most fascinating bodies of water in the world.
