The Yangtze River is the longest and third-largest river in the world by volume. It crosses through nine provinces of China, and its source lies in the glaciers of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is also the longest river that flows through a single country: 6,300 kilometers (3,915 miles). Arriving at the sea at Shanghai, it drains an area of 1.8 million square kilometers (some 700,000 square miles). The importance of the Yangtze River to modern China cannot be overstated. It is the lifeline of the Chinese people and serves as a source of sustenance, irrigation, and transportation.
The source of the Yangtze River is located in the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, in southeastern Tibet, near the ‘Tiger Leap Gorge’. Specifically, the river begins at the junction of two small rivers: Tongtian and Dangqu, both originating in the Maji Mountains. From here, the river heads east and then south, before snaking its way eastwards, en route to its conclusion at the East China Sea.
Due to the Yangtze serving as the economic artery of China, it has seen extensive investment over the past decades in the form of a modern transport infrastructure. This includes permanent bridges and the third longest navigational canal in the world. Together, these two pieces of infrastructure help connect the many Chinese provinces along its route, as well as aid in trade, commerce and transportation. In more recent times, scientists are also studying the flow of the Yangtze as a way of preserving and protecting its water resources for future generations.
In 2010, the Three Gorges Dam at the Yangtze River was completed. Standing at a height of 185 metres (614 feet), it is the world’s largest hydropower station. The dam holds the potential to generate more than 20,000 megawatts of electricity and its waters are used to irrigate over 6 million hectares of land. As a result, modern China is able to sustain a larger population and have a more reliable source of energy.
From this project, it is also possible to imagine the possibilities of the dam regulating the Yangtze River to reduce the impact of floods. Moreover, the turbidity of the river is decreased through the construction of the dam, thereby benefiting the peoples who live along the banks of the river. Also, the construction of a canal has allowed for better control of the flow of water downstream, protecting the population further.
Aside from its obvious utility as a means of transportation and irrigation, the Yangtze River also serves as a rich environment for aquatic species. Granted, human settlements along the river and the subsequent pollution, have caused a decline over the years. Nonetheless, it is estimated that the Yangtze River Basin still houses around 3,000 species of fish, making it one of the most diverse aquatic habitats in the world.
Environmental Impact of the Yangtze River
The Yangtze River has been affected severely by human activity and pollution, leading to a plethora of negative effects in the ecosystem. The most visible of these impacts is pollution of the river: reports have documented the presence of heavy metals such as chromium, mercury and lead, as well as coliform bacteria contamination. In fact, the river is so polluted that it contains roughly 10 times the maximum permissible amount of coliform bacteria according to the World Health Organisation.
Furthermore, it has been suggested that the rise in human development and industrial activity has caused a decrease in the spawning habitat for the many fish species, thus hampering their ability to reproduce and increasing their chances of extinction. This is a matter of serious concern as the Yangtze River Basin is one of the most important fisheries in the world, sustaining millions of people in the region.
Efforts have been put forth to limit and reduce the impacts of human activity, though they have proven to be largely ineffective. Noteworthy among these efforts is the establishment of a national protection zone along the Yangtze River in order to improve the ecological status of the region.
Biodiversity of the Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is home to a number of species and many of these are endangered or vulnerable. One of the most notable of these species is the Chinese alligator, which is considered to be the world’s most endangered crocodilian. Other species which can be found along the river include the Chinese paddlefish, the Chinese sturgeon and the Chinese baiji, a species of freshwater dolphin.
In addition to aquatic species, the Yangtze River Basin is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as the Siberian Tiger, Red Panda and Chinese Great Gull. The area also boasts four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Three Gorges, the Tai Shan Temples and the Hubei Great Wall.
In an effort to protect and conserve the species found along the Yangtze River, a number of conservation initiatives have been established over the past decades. Not only are efforts being made to protect the endangered species themselves but also their habitats, as well as to introduce measures which would minimize the impact of human activities. The Chinese government is leading the charge on these initiatives in collaboration with WWF to ensure the conservation and long-term sustainability of the Yangtze River.
Economic Development and the Yangtze River
The importance of the Yangtze River in the economic and social development of China cannot be understated. Not only does the river serve as a vital source of sustenance, irrigation and transportation, but it is also a key commerce route for the country. The development of the modern transport infrastructure along the Yangtze is only one example of how the river is being utilized for the improvement of the economy.
Over the last two decades, the Chinese government has also been investing heavily in the development of cities and towns in the Yangtze River Basin. This has created a vast economic zone which is home to a variety of industries, including electronics, automobile manufacturing, shipbuilding, and chemicals. These industries have had a huge impact on the economic growth of the country, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
The development of this area has also sparked a huge population boom, as people have flocked to the region in search of employment and economic opportunity. This has had both positive and negative effects on the environment, as the increased population puts a strain on the already vulnerable ecosystems.
Future of the Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is vital to the Chinese people, and in an effort to ensure its future sustainability and progress, the Chinese government has put forth measures which are aimed at protecting the river and its resources for the next generations. This includes comprehensive plans to reduce industrial pollution, improve wastewater management and foster sustainable development.
Additionally, the Chinese government is actively encouraging alternative sources of energy and is investing heavily in renewable energy technologies. This will not only help to reduce the negative impacts of human activity, but also help to protect the wildlife and habitats which rely on the river for sustenance.
It is hoped that these measures will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Yangtze River and its resources, as well as protect its unique biodiversity. In doing so, the river can hope to continue fulfilling its vital role in the economic and social development of modern China.
Development of Tourism in the Yangtze River Region
The Yangtze River has been a source of fascination for centuries and its unique beauty and biodiversity have drawn tourists in their thousands. The government has now put forth plans to capitalize on the interest in the Yangtze River by developing tourism in the region. This will not only increase the economic output of the region but also bring awareness to the need to protect the river and its resources.
The steps taken by the Chinese government to promote tourism in the region are truly remarkable and have already been met with huge success. Many of the ancient sights along the river have been made accessible to the public and there are now over 1,500 tour operators specialising in Yangtze River tours. This surge in tourism has helped to preserve these ancient and unique sites, as well as highlight their importance.
In addition to the ancient sites, tours of the Yangtze also take in the modern infrastructure along the river and explore the many industries and cities which have grown up along its banks. This will no doubt help to foster an understanding of the importance of the Yangtze River to modern China.
Conclusion
The Yangtze River is important to modern China in many ways, providing sustenance, irrigation, transportation and a source of economic and social progress. The river begins at its source in the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, in southeastern Tibet, and flows east and then south before snaking its way eastwards and into the East China Sea. Along its route, the river serves as an artery of the Chinese economy, with projects such as the Three Gorges Dam increasing its value to the people of China.
Aside from its economic importance, the Yangtze River is also home to a diverse range of species, including some of the world’s most endangered and vulnerable animals. To protect the river, a number of conservation initiatives have been established over the years and the Chinese government is actively encouraging the development of tourism in the region, in order to raise awareness of the importance of the Yangtze River and its resources.
