The Yangtze River, the third longest river in the world, is an iconic symbol of China. With its 6,300 kilometres in length, it is the longest in the country, stretching from the Tibetan Plateau in the West all the way to the East China Sea. Nicknamed ‘Cháng Jiāng’ (长江) in Chinese, meaning ‘long river’, the Yangtze is an integral part of Chinese culture, history and geography. But, what is another name for the Yangtze River?
The Yangtze is also referred to as Changjiang, Yangzi (揚子), and the Golden River. In Chinese, Yangzi is a nickname for the Yangtze River and means “Son of the Ocean”. Changjiang is an older name for the river and comes from the two words for “long river” or “eternal river”. Another name for the river is Jinsha, which translates to “Golden River” in Chinese. This expresses the significance of the river, especially since it is the largest river that passes through China.
At the same time, the Yangtze River has numerous other names and references that have been used since ancient times, reflecting the river’s long and colourful history. For example, in ancient records, the river was referred to as Gihon and Gehon by the Book of Genesis. It was also known as Ymng River in the 13th century and later as the Byng-go during the 17th century. In the 19th century, the river was renamed the River ChinkiangOu.
The Yangtze River has also been referred to in historical writings in a variety of ways. In Chinese myth and folklore, the Yangtze is often referred to as the Milky River, as it is said to be the birthplace of the god of thunder. According to another myth, the goddess of the Luo River took pity on the people of the Yangtze and turned herself into a fish to fertilize the land. In addition, the river has been praised by poets and scholars throughout history.
The various nicknames are not just an interesting fact or cultural curiosity. The name Changjiang has become a symbol of Chinese identity and nationhood, emphasising the importance of the Yangtze River to the Chinese people. In addition, the various names have a special importance to local cultures. For instance, the Miao people of southwestern China have long called it the Moth River (喇叭河) due to its shape as it winds through their region.
The Yangtze River is an essential part of Chinese culture and history, and its various historical names reflect its ongoing importance to the Chinese. Although the Yangtze’s official name is Changjiang, other names for the river include Yangzi, Jinsha, Gihon and Gehon, Ymng River, Byng-go, and River ChinkiangOu.
Mainstream Perspective
In recent years, the Yangtze River has attracted increasingly more tourism as people from around the world flock to see its iconic beauty. As such, the media often portrays the Yangtze as a ‘must-see’ place, highlighting its stunning scenery and historical importance. This mainstream approach often glosses over the many other names for the Yangtze, and their significance to the culture of the Chinese people.
For instance, the Nickname “Moth River” used by the Miao people is rarely mentioned, and even then only as part of the region’s cultural heritage. There is often a tendency to focus solely on the various iconic attractions of the Yangtze without giving due consideration to the various names which hold so much meaning to local populations.
But, to truly understand and appreciate the Yangtze River, one must appreciate all of its names. While the mainstream perspective often overlooks the importance of the other names for the Yangtze, it is important to recognize and appreciate all of the names, and the history and culture associated with them.
Environmental Impact
The Yangtze River has been a source of life for the Chinese people for centuries. However, the river faces numerous environmental issues affecting its water quality. As population and industry have grown along the Yangtze basin, the demand for resources has put a strain on the river and the ecological balance of the region has been disrupted. This has serious consequences for the health and well-being of the people who rely on the river.
Pollution, agricultural runoff and other forms of contamination have all had a significant impact on water quality, resulting in reduced fish stocks and other aquatic life, as well as an increased risk of diseases such as cholera and dysentery. In addition, the Three Gorges Dam and other large-scale infrastructure projects in the region have caused disruption to the flow of the river, affecting the water quality and the lives of local communities.
The environmental impact of the Yangtze can also be seen in the air. Due to coal burning and acid rain, air pollution has become a major problem in cities along the river, particularly in densely populated industrial areas. This has led to reduced air quality and increased health risks, such as respiratory illnesses and cancer.
Therefore, efforts must be taken to protect the Yangtze and its various names by addressing the environmental issues in the basin. This will require a collective effort from both national and local governments as well as local communities. Unless these efforts are made, the iconic river, and all of its names, could be in danger of disappearing.
Economic Impact
The Yangtze River has played a vital role in the economic development of China. Its navigable tributaries, including the Pearl and Yangtze, have served as major trading routes for centuries and the region has been an integral part of Chinese commercial activity. However, the Yangtze has also suffered from over-exploitation in recent decades, leading to subsequent economic decline in the region.
The region has experienced a significant decline in economic fortunes as a result of over-fishing, pollution and a decline in fishing stocks. This has led to increased unemployment in the region, as many local people rely on fishing as their main source of income. In addition, over-extraction of resources has also caused significant damage to the region’s delicate ecosystem, leading to a decrease in biodiversity and further economic issues.
The economic impact of the Yangtze is compounded by the growing costs of large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Three Gorges Dam. The dam has caused significant changes to the region, leading to increased flooding and displacement of local communities. The economic implications of the dam project have been significant, with the project costing an estimated $20 billion USD.
Therefore, it is essential to adopt sustainable development practices to ensure that the economic benefits of the Yangtze are not undermined by short-term gains. This will require a concerted effort from both central and local governments, as well as local communities, to ensure that the region’s unique economic and ecological resources are preserved.
Preservation and Conservation
The various names and references to the Yangtze River have been a source of national pride for centuries, and efforts have been made to preserve its cultural heritage. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on protecting the region from environmental degradation, with efforts being made to address the various environmental issues that are affecting the river.
This includes the establishment of protected areas in the basin, such as the Three Gorges Natural Reserve, as well as the adoption of strict water conservation measures. In addition, existing infrastructure projects, such as the Three Gorges Dam, have been re-evaluated and adjusted to lessen their environmental impact on the river.
Moreover, there are also various government initiatives aimed at protecting and conserving local ecosystems. These include the creation of wetland parks, such as the Chongqing Ecological Wetland Park, as well as the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. The successful implementation of these initiatives will ensure that the Yangtze River and its various names are preserved for future generations.
The Yangtze River holds a special significance for the Chinese people, and its various names reflect its long and colourful history. Nonetheless, the river faces numerous environmental and economic issues, making it essential to preserve and conserve the unique culture, natural beauty and economic resources of the Yangtze region. Only through the collective efforts of government, businesses, and the local communities can the Yangtze and its various names be protected for future generations.
