China has an incredibly complex and rich history, with many landscapes and natural wonders to explore. One of its long-standing and iconic features is the Yangtze River – the longest river in China and the third-longest in the world.
The Yangtze River is considered the cradle of ancient Chinese civilisation. Stretching over 6,300 kilometers, it passes through stunning mountain terrain and some of China’s most populated cities and provinces, including Beijing, Chongqing, Guangdong and Shanghai.
The Yangtze has been revered for centuries for its central role in trade and transportation, linking the North and South of China. Along the way, the river has supported the production of tea, rice and other agricultural commodities.
The Yangtze River is also home to unique species of wildlife, including the Chinese alligator, Chinese sturgeon and Yangtze porpoise, among others. Unfortunately, these animals have been increasingly threatened due to the river’s ecological disruption caused by development. Despite various research and conservation projects, their populations have been in decline.
Buoyed by economic growth, development along the Yangtze has flourished in the past few decades and continues today. With increasing industrialisation and urbanisation come sets of conditions and challenges; the development of coastal cities and the Yangtze River has been critiqued for its inefficient resource and land consumption, insufficient green spaces and potential for lethal flooding events.
Some experts suggest changes to public policy regarding infrastructure and urban growth in order to balance the need for economic development and the need to protect the environment. For instance, the Chinese government has implemented a number of greening initiatives and sustainability plans in order to protect the river’s resources.
While the Yangtze River is a symbol of historic and cultural significance, it is also an important conservation site for China. In terms of the global climate crisis and the urgent need to foster healthy ecosystems, the Yangtze has a higher calling.
Environmental Impacts
China is one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, and this is particularly true of the Yangtze River. Industrial and agricultural processes in the Yangtze basin are responsible for air pollution and significant contribution to global warming. Most affected are cities like Shanghai and Chongqing, which have been found to have some of the worst air quality in the world.
In addition, diverse sources of pollution, such as industrial and agricultural waste and sewage, are increasingly contributing to river water deterioration. It further affects many coastal areas and nearby states, where water is used for drinking, washing and irrigation.
Efforts such as the Central Committee on Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Environmental Protection’s Yangtze-Specific Ecological and Environmental Protection Plan, have been implemented to reduce waste and promote sustainability in the river and its surroundings. There are also a variety of local initiatives from communities and non-governmental organisations that are attempting to combat the region’s environmental issues.
Social Impacts
The impact of the Yangtze River on people’s lives is far-reaching and complex. The river drainages and their associated wetland assets are part of the livelihood of many people. With over 3.5 million inhabitants, the Yangtze River delta is home to a third of China’s urban population.
The river is also a major provider of energy, with hydroelectric dams that generate large amounts of China’s electricity. Hundreds of millions of people have relied on irrigation networks, transport and storage systems to sustain their livelihood and the industry around them.
The Three Gorges Dam, located in the middle of the river, is an engineering marvel with a production capacity of 22.5 gigawatts – more than the U.S. Hoover Dam and almost triple that of the Grand Coulee Dam. However, the dam has raised concerns about sediment buildup and its impacts on ecosystems, livelihoods and urban development.
Economic Impacts
The Yangtze River is an important source of food and a hub for industry and commerce. It passes through several of China’s main economic development zones, including the Pearl River Delta and the Yangtze River Delta, making them vital centers for economic growth in the region.
The river also helps power a booming tourism industry, with its exotic scenery attracting tourists from all over the world. Increasing numbers of people flock to the villages and towns along the river where it is possible to experience ancient Chinese culture, such as the terraced fields and traditional wine-making.
Not only does the Yangtze River generate tourism income and create jobs, but it is also an important factor in boosting China’s overall economy. The river is estimated to contribute up to 20% of the country’s total GNP, accounting for almost a third of the country’s total water resources.
Dams and Reservoirs
Due to the sheer length, width and depth of the Yangtze River, dams have been built to control the flow, provide power and protect people from flooding. The Three Gorges Dam is the most widely-known of these and has processed more than 8.2 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity since its completion in 2012. The Gezhouba, Ertan and Xiluodu dams are also popularly used for flood control and power generation.
A number of reservoirs can also be found along the river, constructed to store water for irrigation and other uses. The Xiangjiaba and Xiluodu Reservoirs are two of the biggest, providing water for millions of people.
Bridge Network
Due to its numerous changes in direction and unpredictable currents, the Yangtze River has been blocked off from the mainland for a long time. To solve this problem, an extensive set of bridges have been built over the course of six decades. One of the earliest is the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, the first double-deck bridge to span the Yangtze, which has become a well-known icon of China’s engineering prowess.
The Canton-Hankou Yangtze River Bridge is another gargantuan undertaking and is considered one of the most daring feats of engineering ever. The 3.2 kilometer long bridge was built despite pumping water and strong currents making construction almost impossible. It connects the two districts of Hankou and Canton, which are separated by the Yangtze.
The recent opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai–Macau Bridge is another example of the many bridges that have opened over the past few decades. Spanning the Pearl River estuary, the bridge is an impressive 39.4 km in length, linking Hong Kong to Macau and the Zhuhai mainland. With the grand opening of the bridge, travel time between the cities has been dramatically reduced.
