Geography
The mighty Yangtze is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world, stretching for 6,300 km from the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai, through the Chinese provinces of Sichuan and Jiangsu, ultimately reaching the East China Sea. Boasting breathtaking rapids, spectacular gorges, and an abundance of wildlife, it is known as the ‘River of 10,000 Waves’ or ‘Chang Jiang’.
The Yangtze – or ‘Chang Jiang’ in Chinese – has its source on the Great Grasslands of Plateau, near the town of Changdu in the Tibetan Plateau of western China. From its source, the river winds its way east, passing through several significant cities along its route, including Yichang, Wuhan and Nanjing. At Nanjing the river turns south, eventually joining the sea at Shanghai.
Facts and Figures
The Yangtze River is 6,300 km long, with an average depth of 18 metres and a maximum depth of 110 metres. It has a catchment area of 1.8 million square kilometers and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. According to a Chinese source, the Yangtze is made up of three distinct parts: the ‘upper’, ‘middle’ and ‘lower’ rivers. The upper section is the most isolated, with the extreme top (known as the Tongtian) being only navigable for a limited amount of time due to the extreme elevation and rapid water flow.
Historical Significance
Historically, the Yangtze River has been essential for the development and progress of Chinese civilization. It provided ancient Chinese dynasties with a crucial trading route and sustained the population with an abundance of food and resources. As early as the 3rd century BCE, Chinese traders were able to sail from its estuary out to the rest of Asia and beyond.
Moreover, it has been the source of great legends and stories throughout Chinese history. One of the oldest stories dates back to the 4th century when the governor of Jiangsu province falls in love with a legendary beauty known as ‘White Snake’. Another popular story is of the ‘Goddess of the Yangtze’ Cao Guojiu who, according to legend, became a deity after she sacrificed herself to save the lives of 20 sailors.
Environmental Impact
The Yangtze River has not been immune from the negative effects of modern development and urbanization. The rate of water pollution has been increasing over the years, affecting the river’s fish population and causing health problems among the local population. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff and untreated sewage are some of the main sources of pollution.
The three Gorges Dam, built in the 1990s, is also having a major impact on the environment and the livelihoods of many local communities who depend on the river for their livelihood. The enormous dam has displaced millions of people and disrupted the natural flow of the river, adversely affecting the local ecology. In addition, many rare animal species, such as the Chinese sturgeon and the Yangtze River Dolphin, are now endangered due to dam construction and intensive fishing.
Economy
The Yangtze River is vital to the economy of China and the surrounding countries. Over 500 million people depend on the river for drinking water, irrigation, transportation and energy. It is a major shipping route and is home to several ports, including Shanghai, the busiest port in the world.
The Yangtze also provides a source of power for the many hydro-powered factories and plants along the river. In addition, the river provides essential soils for the growing of crops such as rice, wheat and corn. In short, the Yangtze River has become an essential part of the daily lives of millions of people.
Conservation
Due to its significance, the Yangtze River has been the focus of many conservation initiatives. Projects such as the ‘Greenshores for the Yangtze River Basin’ have been set up to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. Other projects such as the ‘Yangtze Environmental Protection and Development Center’ have been dedicated to monitoring and analyzing the river’s water quality, while numerous charities have been focusing their efforts on cleaning up the river in order to restore its health.
The Chinese government has also introduced regulations aimed at minimizing pollution, such as the ‘Environmental Protection Legislation’ and the ‘National Environmental Protection Agency’, but it is still a long way before the Yangtze River can be brought back to its former glory.
Tourism
The Yangtze River has also become a major tourist attraction. Every year, millions of people visit the river to experience its stunning beauty. Notable sites include the Three Gorges, a spectacular collection of gorges and canyons stretching for over 140 km; the popular Yangtze River Cruise, which offers breathtaking views of the river; and the East China Sea, dazzling with white sandy beaches.
The Yangtze is a source of beauty, inspiration, and culture, and it is a vital part of China’s history and of the global environment. It is a river of immense importance to which its citizens should be proud of and its future should be protected.
Politics
The Yangtze River is a major geopolitical issue with both China and her neighbors. It has been at the center of numerous disputes, with tension between China, Vietnam, and the Philippines over territorial claims in the South China Sea, with the potential for further conflict. In addition, the river is a major source of concern for global Environment Protection organizations due to its pollution.
What’s more, the river’s immense water flow is seen as a precious resource by the Chinese government, and the massive Three Gorges Dam was constructed to harness the Yangtze’s power, providing energy to the nearby cities. This has led to a debate over whether this dam is environmentally friendly or not.
Conclusion
The Yangtze River is an integral part of Chinese culture, playing a major role in the country’s history and economic development. It is a river of beauty, resilience and power, and despite the environmental challenges it faces, it continues to sustain the lives of millions. The Yangtze is an important part of the world, and its conservation and protection should be of utmost importance to all.
