The Yangtze River is one of the longest rivers in the world, stretching over 6,300 kilometers (3,915 miles) through China. Originating in the Tibetan Plateau in the northwest, it flows into the East China Sea at Shanghai. Around one-third of China’s population live in the Yangtze watershed. A great many of the country’s typical landscape features, culture and ecology, as well as a mix of natural and human-influenced activities, can be found here. So, where is the mouth of the Yangtze river?
The Yangtze empties into the East China Sea near the city of Shanghai. The entire stretch of the river is actually divided into three lower reaches. The middle reaches, which includes the Three Gorges region, runs through cities such as Chongqing, Wuhan and Nanjing before emptying into the East China Sea. This is the most important and heavily travelled stretch of the Yangtze, filled with cruises, barges, cargos and other water traffic.
It is believed that the Yangtze was named ‘Yangtze’ by the ancient Chinese, regarding its long shape and the great power of currents at the mouth of the estuary. Back in the era of the Three Kingdoms period of China, the river was an important part of the course of fighting. During the Tang Dynasty, Zhang Qian was appointed as governor at Mount Qingliang, which is present-day Jiangsu Province near the mouth of the Yangtze. He then led an expedition from there, going all the way to central Asia.
Today, modern ships enter Shanghai by traversing the East Channel of the Yangtze Estuary, before they fleece off the Huangpu River. Countries like the US, Russia and Japan have sent fleets of ships to explore the mouth of river in the past few decades. As of 2007, the United Nations projects the population of the city of Shanghai to be 18.7 million. Thus, it can be said that the mouth of the Yangtze River is located on the East Coast of China near Shanghai, at the East Channel of the Yangtze Estuary.
The mouth of the Yangtze is fed by a vast tributary system, extending from the headwaters to the nearly three hundred feeder streams that make up the main Yangtze river. The tributaries stretch over a grand total of 28 provinces and regions, bringing water down from the Tibetan Plateau and into the area around Lake Dongting, before marshalling into the mainstream. This intricate network of tributaries feeds the estuary at Shanghai, providing an important source of nutrients and sediment.
The area at the mouth of the river is also home to a unique wildlife: the finless porpoise is the only indigenous aquatic mammal to the Yangtze River. Its presence has contributed to the region’s reputation as its own special habitat, although the finless porpoise population has been in decline for many years. It is believed this is due to the presence of heavy shipping traffic and pollution in the area.
The mouth of the Yangtze River is a complex and busy region, with major shipping and trade activity in a highly populated area. It is a major transportation hub for human beings and aquatic species alike, and a vitally important ecosystem. It provides a link between the natural environment and the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, highlighting the importance of coexistence between man and nature in the rapidly developing Yangtze Delta.
Healthy Waterways
The Yangtze estuary is an area of high economic importance and natural beauty, comprising thousands of square kilometers of woodland, which is ideal for a range of aquatic species. Estuaries are very nutrient-rich and they act as a natural filter, meaning the quality of the water is often very high. In this way, the Yangtze estuary benefits the city of Shanghai by limiting water pollutants and providing an ideal habitat for a variety of species.
In the Yangtze Delta, many local and international conservation teams are actively taking part in programs to preserve and foster an environment where the rivers, wetlands and associated ecosystems can flourish. This has been done by reducing effluent discharge, increasing protection of the region’s valuable aquatic species, restricting shipping activity and developing new, innovative methods to revitalize the ecosystem.
The increasing awareness of the need to maintain healthy waterways has led to the formation of international agreements. The Chinese government, for instance, is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, which emphasizes the need to protect and foster wetland resources. Such agreements are lauded by environmental activists and scientists, who have achieved significant results throughout the region. Yet there is much still to be done when it comes to protecting the Yangtze Delta.
Development in the Delta
The development of the Yangtze Delta is one of the great success stories of the 21st century. In the last few decades, the cities of the region have forged stronger economic ties and infrastructure links, helping the many smaller townships to grow and prosper. This has allowed for production efficiency and labour force productivity, two of the main drivers of economic stability in the region.
The growth of industry, trade and tourism in Shanghai has allowed the prosperity of the region to spread, and subsequently many of the smaller cities in the region are transformed into dynamic and diverse metropolises. This is great news for the people living in the Yangtze Delta, who, for many years, have made a living off the extensive waterways and production of the region.
In the Delta, the presence of world-class universities and higher learning institutions have been an important factor in the area’s success. This has helped to train new generations of professionals and experts, providing a boost in the job market, as well as fostering a world-leading technology and design sector.
Yet in contrast with its cachet of high-tech industry and vibrant social life, the Yangtze Delta area still suffers from the effects of pollution. It has been reported that certain species of fish are disappearing due to water pollutants, which is having a significant impact on the health of ecosystems and the species they depend on.
Pollution Issues
As we have seen, the Yangtze estuary is both a point of great importance in the world economy, and an important ecosystem in its own right. The sheer number of humans that live in the Yangtze Delta creates a massive demand for food, energy and other industrial resources. This has led to vast pollution levels in the region, making the area unhealthy for both humans and the surrounding wildlife.
Since the onset of the industrial revolution, great amounts of pollutants have been released into the Yangtze estuary and its waterways, mainly coming from industrial processes and harvesting materials. This has caused issues such as algal blooms and widespread waterlogging in the Delta, leading to a decrease in available drinking water and habitat loss.
With China’s recent economic transformation and population growth, new environmental laws and regulations are starting to be enforced. Companies are now required to adopt green energies such as solar and wind power, reducing their reliance on carbon-based resources. This is a big step forward in the effort to reduce pollutants and preserve the Yangtze region’s natural beauty.
The Chinese government is also attempting to relocate those living in the most polluted areas to safer parts of the region, while they look to clean up the polluted zones. With new commitments to improve the quality of the water of the Yangtze Delta, there is a sense of optimism in the region, with people gradually becoming more aware of the need to look after the area’s water resources.
Cultural Impact
The Yangtze River has been of huge importance to China’s history and culture, and its existence has shaped the regions it passes through. This is particularly true near the mouth, where the vibrant city of Shanghai has grown up in recent years.
The old neighborhoods and traditional architecture of the area have slowly given way to modern structures and buildings, adding an international flair to the city. You can still find the older buildings in parts of the city, although in many instances they have been adapted to modern living.
The lifestyle around the Yangtze Delta has become increasingly westernized in recent years, reflecting the growing presence of foreign influences in the region. There are extensive areas devoted to art, music and culture in the city, a testament to the area’s burgeoning energy and modernity.
The night markets around the mouth of the Yangtze are also an important source of local culture, with locals and foreigners alike flocking to the markets to exchange goods and services. Here, visitors experience the unique blend of eastern and western culture that has become intrinsic to the area over the years.
Travel Opportunities
Travelers flock to the Yangtze Delta as it offers a wide range of attractions and experiences. Visitors can explore the vibrant city of Shanghai with its cutting edge restaurants and bars, enjoy the stunning views of Yangtze river, and marvel at the natural beauty of the Three Gorges area in the middle and upper reaches.
The great rivers of the Yangtze are also a draw for those wanting to take cruise trips around the area, stopping off at various river towns along the way. Bountiful supplies of fresh fish, time-tested local recipes and urbanized cultures attract visitors from around the world. There are also various cultural sites around the region, where visitors can take a glimpse into the past and get a feel of the area’s long-standing heritage.
In recent years, the Yangtze estuary has become a popular destination for international travelers, and the area has experienced a tremendous boost in terms of tourism. Traveling to the Yangtze Delta offers visitors the chance to see a side of China not seen anywhere else, providing them with an insight into the region’s distinct culture, cuisine and natural beauty.
Shanghai Riverfront
The riverfront in the city of Shanghai is the perfect place to take in the beauty of the Yangtze estuary. There are plenty of entertainment options here, with a wide range of restaurants, shops and other attractions. The entire area is well-maintained and offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as boat rides, walking tours and cycling, so visitors can choose the activity that appeals to them the most.
On the east side of the Huangpu River, visitors can take a stroll down the famous Bund Promenade. This renowned area, which is home to some of the world’s most famous buildings, offers stunning views of both the Pudong skyline and the Yangtze River. Visitors can also enjoy the city’s waterfront parks, which are located along both banks of the river and offer great views of the city.
The riverfront in Shanghai is a great place to relax and take a few moments to reflect on life. Here, one can take in the sights of the man-made skyline that has sprung up along the banks of the Yangtze over the past few decades, as well as admire the beauty of the natural world found in the rivers and wetlands surrounding the estuary.
