Introduction
The Yangtze River is the longest in the world and the third longest in Asia. Formed between the Tibetan and Yunnan provinces in southwestern China over 6,000 years ago, it is the most important river in the country, vital to China’s development, culture, economy and transport. The Yangtze River is also the world’s most populated river basin with over 400 million people living along its banks. On the question of what continent is the Yangtze located, some might think the answer is Asia, but the Yangtze is actually located in the continent of Eurasia, making it the only river of its kind in the world.
History Of The Yangtze River
Throughout its long history, the Yangtze River has been an important part of China’s economy, culture and transportation. Historians estimate its first settlements date as far back as 6,000 years ago, with tribes living on its banks. During the Zhou Dynasty, the river was used for food, transportation and for clay for pottery. As its importance grew, the Qin and Han Dynasties built canals and established the river as the country’s main artery. It’s importance to the Chinese economy was fully established during the Sui Dynasty when the Grand Canal was built, connecting the Yangtze with the Yellow River.
Over time, the Yangtze served different functions. In the late 1800s, it became an important link between cities on both sides of the river such as Wuhan and Chongqing. It was also used by traders to transport goods further downstream to reach markets in Shanghai. In the early 20th century, the Chinese government began using the river to hydroelectric energy and for irrigation.
Geographical Importance Of The Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is the longest river in the world, and the third longest in Asia. It is 6,380 km (3,964 miles) in length and spans a total area of 1,808,500 square kilometers (698,265 square miles). It’s source is located in western China on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and it drains into the East China Sea. As mentioned, the Yangtze is located in the continent of Eurasia, making it the only river of its kind in the world.
The river basin of the Yangtze River is the largest in the world. The river is home to over 400 million inhabitants, making it the most populated river basin in the world. It is also responsible for the drainage of millions of tons of water, snow and ice into the East China Sea each year. Economically, it is extremely important to the Chinese economy, and is responsible for the transportation of goods and services and for providing hydroelectric energy and irrigation.
Impact Of The Three Gorges Dam
In 1994, the Chinese government began construction on a project that would change the face of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam. The project spanned 8 years and cost in excess of US$20 billion. The dam was built to provide energy, flood control and navigation along the river. When the dam was fully operational in 2012, it became the world’s largest hydropower system, generating over 22,500 megawatts of electricity annually.
The dam has had a major impact on the river, both positive and negative. It has effectively controlled flooding, with no major incidents reported since the dam’s completion. This has also led to the growth of industries and infrastructure along the river. On the other hand, it has blocked the natural flow of sediment, with the river becoming shallower and more polluted.
The Three Gorges Dam has been a popular tourist attraction in China, with millions of people visiting it every year. It is also an important part of Chinese culture, with locals often organizing festivals by the river.
Impact On Animal Life
The Yangtze River has been an important part of Chinese life for centuries, and has been home to a variety of animal life. Sadly, the Three Gorges Dam has had a dramatic effect on the animal life in the river. Since the construction of the dam, many species have become endangered or even extinct. This includes the baiji, the Yangtze river dolphin, who is now believed to be extinct.
The Chinese government has made an effort to conserve the wildlife in and around the Yangtze River by setting up nature reserves. In these reserves, visitors can see a variety of animals such as the Yangtze finless porpoise, the Chinese alligator, and the Yangtze sturgeon. In addition, the government has set up a number of programs to protect the habitats of these species.
Environmental Impact
The Yangtze River has long been a vital link between China’s urban and rural regions. Unfortunately, this dependence has had serious consequences for the environment. Air and water pollution as well as deforestation have had a devastating impact on the river and its surrounding environment. Pollution from factories and agricultural runoff have made the river’s water unsafe for human consumption.
In addition, the Yangtze has suffered from overfishing and illegal fishing. As the river is one of the most important fisheries in the world, this practice has had a major impact on the fish population. The over fishing of species such as the baiji has led to their extinction. The Chinese government has set up a number of conservation initiatives to preserve the remaining fish species, but it is clear that much more needs to be done.
Conclusion
Clearly, the Yangtze River is a vital resource for China. From its humble beginnings as a source of food and transportation, it has become the lifeblood of China’s economy and culture. But with the growth of industry and urbanization, it has also become a source of environmental concern. It is up to the Chinese government and people to ensure the future of the Yangtze, for the benefit of the river, its people and its wildlife.
