The Yangtze River is often called the longest river in Asia, stretching over 6,300 kilometers from the North of Tibet, China, to its stretch in the East China Sea. Lung Jiang is the Chinese name for the river, which translates as ‘long river’. The Yangtze originates in the glaciers of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, flowing from the southwestern region of China through the provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, and Shanghai, before flowing into the East China Sea.
China is heavily reliant on the Yangtze River for economic development, connecting the developed Eastern seaboard of the country with the poorer more heavily rural Western areas, developing transport and making the river a valuable resource. Transporting people and goods is much cheaper on the Yangtze than by land. It is also used to move oil shipped from other parts of East Asia and the Far East into China’s hinterland. The Yangtze river is also a source of clean energy as several hydropower plants are located on the river.
According to experts, the Yangtze sustains not just the transport and energy needs of the populous nation, but also green biodiversity and an important food source for hundreds of millions of Asians. There are now 415 species of fish in the river basin, of which at least 26 are unique and many are on the brink of extinction.
The Yangtze River basin is also home to one of the world’s largest dams, the Three Gorges Dam, near Yichang in Hubei Province. The dam is 188 miles in length, costing an estimated US$28.5 billion to construct. The main purpose of the dam is to generate hydroelectricity, but it is also a marvel of engineering and a controversial environmental project implementation.
The Yangtze River is a symbol of power – both political and economic, sustaining life and providing many invaluable resources. The dam is a visual representation of the power of the Chinese state to bring about huge infrastructure projects, whilst at the same time its negative environmental effects, such as increased siltation and reduced water flow, are adversely affecting the delicate ecosystems which make the Yangtze so special.
Environmental Issues
The Yangtze River is currently facing a range of environmental issues, due to persistent human damage over the years. As pollution continues to increase, its health is continually deteriorating. China has been heavily criticised for its failure to take responsible action and implement policies to combat pollutants. In its metropolitan areas, such as Shanghai and Beijing, the river has been especially polluted due to population densities and chemical waste that gets discharged into it. This has caused the water quality to decrease significantly, posing a great threat to the aquatic ecosystems that are present in the Yangtze.
The issue of sedimentation is also a serious concern. With the development of numerous unchecked industries, especially in the upper Yangtze region, large amounts of sediment waste are discharged directly from industry into the water, leading to non-draining water levels and often total blockages due to sediment accumulation, finally resulting in a lack of oxygen in the water.
The construction of the Three Gorges Dam and other large hydropower projects has also had a major environmental impact in the Yangtze River region, as it has threatened to destroy one of the world’s most unique ecosystems, by blocking the migration of species and creating a significant impact on aquatic life. The destabilised environment created by human activities has caused drastic changes in the natural flow of the river, increasing sedimentation levels and threatening the habitats of endangered species.
Social Impact
The Yangtze River not only impacts the environment, but also has a significant social impact within China. It’s main use, is for transportation; As a result, the number of people travelling along the Yangtze River has increased dramatically in recent decades and this has had a cascade effect on the local rural communities living along the river.
Accessibility of goods and services has also increased due to better transport networks, with travel times from major cities to rural areas now substantially shorter than before. This has increased the trade of goods and services both up and down stream. Local economies have flourished as a result, providing new opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to emerge and create jobs.
The region has also seen a growth in tourism, transforming the area from a mostly rural region to a centre for leisure and cultural activities. The Yangtze River has become a popular site for cruises, with many travellers from around the world coming to explore its unique landscapes, ancient villages and historical sites such as the Three Gorges Dam.
The Yangtze river has become one of the most important aspects of Chinese culture, forming part of the national identity and being at the hub of many national-level decisions and discussions.
Economic Development
The economic development of the region around the Yangtze River is a key factor in the growth of China’s economy. Many of China’s megacities, such as Shanghai and Beijing, are located along the banks of the river and its tributaries, providing a large labour force for the high-tech and tech-savvy industries that are so common in these areas. In addition, the Yangtze river is also a major transportation route for goods and services between China’s coastal and inland regions, with trade flourishing along the entire length of the river.
The construction of the Three Gorges Dam has been one of the most important economic projects in recent years, with the project estimated to cost over US$28 billion. The dam is expected to generate around 5% of China’s electricity requirements and is seen as key for China’s development plans of becoming a world leader in renewable energy production.
In addition, the large-scale bridge and tunnel projects along the Yangtze are expected to significantly improve the transportation infrastructure of China, with an estimated 700,000 people living in settlements to be rehoused as a consequence of such projects.
Political Influence
The Yangtze River is not only a valuable economic resource, but is also a major political player in the region. Politicians and policymakers in China are aware of its value and importance, and that is reflected in their decisions regarding the river and its numerous tributaries. For example, in 2020, China’s government proposed a plan to control the Yangtze’s floods, in order to mitigate the risks and dangers posed by the river.
The issue of water security has also been an important issue of discussion in China due to the current surge in population growth. The growing population has led to an increased demand for water, which has led to an increased focus on the conservation and efficient use of water resources. This has resulted in various policies such as water source protection and water quality maintenance being implemented along the Yangtze River, in order to both maximize the potential of the river and to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Cultural Significance
The Yangtze River is not just a valuable economic and political resource, but also has a unique and significant cultural value. The river is known for its winding paths and majestic mountainous backdrop, inspiring many artists and writers over the centuries. In addition, traditional fishing activities and river life is an important part of the local culture, with many of the same activities taking place for centuries, providing evidence to its unique folk customs and traditions.
These activities are often found in the numerous villages, towns and cities along the banks of the river,where local residents still practice a traditional lifestyle. This traditional lifestyle is seen as a source of pride for many communities and is a rare glimpse into the traditional Chinese way of life. As a result, many visitors come to the Yangtze River each year to experience a piece of this traditional culture, which is quickly disappearing in other parts of the country.
The Yangtze River has been a symbol of China’s history, culture and tradition, with many authors and poets in China having used the river as a metaphor for the journey of life. For centuries, the Yangtze River has been of much importance to the Chinese people, with it being an integral part of their identity and way of life.
