Sitting at 5,464 kilometers, the Yangtze River, or Chang Jiang, is the longest river in Asia and the third longest river in the world. Originating from the glaciers of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and draining into the East China Sea, the Yangtze River has an extraordinary history and plays an integral part in both Chinese culture and its economy.
The Yangtze River can be traced back to the current Tibetan Autonomous Region, where the river starts from the great glaciers of the Tangula Mountains of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. This immense mountain mass, located on the far western edge of the Tibetan Plateau, houses the source of not only the Yangtze River, but also some of the Yangtze River’s biggest tributaries, like the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the Blue River, the Nu River, and the Han River.
These four tributaries all merge with each other before finally joining the Yangtze River in the western part of Sichuan Province. As the Yangtze flows east, it passes through 5 provinces or regions on its way to the East China Sea. This will then divide the river into a total of nine specific sections.
Many scholars and experts have noted that China’s economy has historically been tightly connected with the Yangtze River. In fact, around 40% of China’s total population live within the basin of the Yangtze River, and the agricultural products produced here provide a significant contribution to the total output of food for China. Producing the first domesticated pigs, located on the east coast of the river, the Yangtze River Basin was able to offer sufficient supplies of food and water to support the agricultural development of the country.
In addition to being a major economic force in the country, the Yangtze River has also been a vital part of Chinese culture. It has served as a main vein of transportation since as early as the 5th century. During the 18th century, the Yangtze River served as the main route for marine trade, connecting ports in Shanghai to the sea. Consequently, many villages, towns and cities were built and grew up along the banks of the Yangtze River.
The Yangtze River has been an integral part of the development of Chinese culture and history and it continues to be so today. Its immense economic and cultural impact has earned it the respect and admiration of Chinese people and has granted the Yangtze River a well-deserved place in Chinese hearts.
Pollution
However, despite its great economic and cultural significance, it is worth noting that the Yangtze River is not without its challenges. With the development of cities and industrialization, the Yangtze River has unfortunately also become a major source for water pollution. Untreated sewage, heavy metals, and industrial waste are discharged directly into the Yangtze, polluting the river’s environment.
The Chinese government has taken steps to reduce the pollutants being discharged into the Yangtze, like the Yangtze River Environment Protection Action Plan that was launched in 2004 to prevent further pollution of the river. In recent years, the government has also made great efforts to reduce water and soil erosion and to create a balanced ecosystem.
One of the steps undertaken by the government has been to ban all types of shipping and boating at the middle and downstream areas of the Yangtze, in order to minimize the impact of pollution sources on the river’s environment, thus helping to protect this important resource. In addition, China has begun planting trees on both sides of the Yangtze and building dams to reduce the flow speed, both of which will have a positive impact on the river’s environment.
Recreational Activities
Thanks to the efforts of the Chinese government, the Yangtze River has seen a resurgence in its water quality, and even became a popular spot for recreational activities. People can go boating down the Yangtze River, observe the serene nature of the vast waters, and appreciate the profound beauty along the banks of the river.
The river banks are also a great spot for some sightseeing. From the Three Gorges Dam, the largest dam and hydroelectric project in the world, to the snow-capped and spectacular vistas of Jinsha River, there is much to discover. On a trip down the Yangtze River, tourists can even explore the local cuisine, visit historic towns, and experience the traditional folk customs of China.
Furthermore, there are also many amazing waterfalls to be found along the Yangtze River. The astonishing Panzhihua Falls, located in the middle stream of the Yangtze River, is one of the most breathtaking sights along the river and definitely worth a visit. It is surely an unforgettable experience, especially after a long day of sightseeing.
Environmental Preservation
Though the Yangtze River has seen improvement in its water quality, it is still facing several environmental challenges that affect the quality of its waters. Pollution, sedimentation, and water diversion are considered major sources of pollution, and the Chinese government is well aware of the importance of maintaining the environment of the Yangtze River. The government has thus taken considerable efforts to preserve the majestic waters of the Yangtze and to reduce the human impact on the river’s environment.
The importance of the Yangtze River binds all members of the Chinese nation and there is a recognition of its centrality to Chinese culture, economics and history. That is why a large number of organisations and non-profit groups have been set up to help protect and conserve the Yangtze River. These organizations have successfully implemented projects to promote environmental protection and to restore the ecological balance of the river basin.
Furthermore, a number of legal documents and guidelines have been drafted and issued by the Chinese government in order to enhance the protection of the country’s water resources. These laws and regulations mainly focus on the management and development of the Yangtze River Basin and aim to ensure the safety of the river’s environment.
Hydropower
Hydropower has also been a big part of the Yangtze River’s history. The Three Gorges Dam is the most famous, and largest, of all hydropower projects along the Yangtze. This engineering feat has allowed for many of the cities and regions along the Yangtze to be provided with an secure and clean source of electricity.
However, this development did come at a cost, as the dam also displaced millions of people whose homes and land had to be flooded in order to accommodate the project. Even though the Chinese government had taken steps to prevent a massive displacement of people, some individuals still received unfair compensation.
In addition to the Three Gorges Dam, there are several other hydropower projects currently in development along the Yangtze, such as the Xiaonanhai project and the Wudongde project. These hydropower projects are vital to the development of the Yangtze River, as they will help to reduce the region’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources and further increase the security of the electricity supply.
Irrigation
The Yangtze River also serves as a major source of water for agricultural projects in China. The Yangtze River Valley, which is irrigated by the Yangtze River, is nicknamed the “land of plenty” in China, as various parts of the valley are where the country’s most important crops such as rice, wheat and cotton are produced.
The Ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system is
one of the oldest irrigation systems in the world, built over 2,200 years ago to irrigate the Chengdu Plain. It consists of three independent elements: Yuzui, Feisha and Baopingkou. It has been used in China for centuries and is still in use today.
More recently, the Chinese government has also implemented an ambitious project, the South-to-North Water Transfer Project. This is the world’s largest water diversion project, which aims to transfer water from the Yangtze River to the Yellow and Hai Rivers. This project is expected to benefit many parts of China by supplying them with much-needed water resources.
Conclusion
The Yangtze River, the longest river in China, carries a long history and immense economic and cultural significance. To its people, the Yangtze River has served as an important transport route and it has been an integral part of the development of Chinese culture and history. With the help of the Chinese government, the Yangtze River has also seen an improvement in its water quality, becoming a popular spot for recreational activities such as sightseeing and boating.
Though the Yangtze River Basin still faces challenges, such as water pollution and an uneven ecological balance, the Chinese government has taken tremendous efforts to preserve the river’s environment. With the implementation of environmental protection laws, an increased focus on the development of hydropower projects, and the use of irrigation systems, the Chinese government is ensuring that the Yangtze River will continue to serve as a great resource for many generations to come.
