{"id":15313,"date":"2023-10-09T20:50:08","date_gmt":"2023-10-09T19:50:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=15313"},"modified":"2023-10-09T20:50:08","modified_gmt":"2023-10-09T19:50:08","slug":"what-does-the-name-of-the-yangtze-river-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-does-the-name-of-the-yangtze-river-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does The Name Of The Yangtze River Mean"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Origins of the Name <\/h2>\n

The name ‘Yangtze’ is derived from the Chinese language and regional dialects, where ‘Yang’ means ‘Ocean’ and ‘Tze’ means ‘River’. Other regional translations for the Yangtze include Chang Jiang (Long River) and Chu Jiang (Great River). It is the longest river in Asia and the third longest river in the world, stretching 6,300 kilometres (3,915 miles) from its source near Qinghai province in west-central China to its mouth at the East China Sea.<\/p>\n

Historical Significance <\/h2>\n

The Yangtze River has been an important thoroughfare for many civilizations, especially during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912). It was during this period that the river route was explored and trade between cities developed. It could take up to two weeks to travel the entire length of the river by boat. For the people of East Asia the Yangtze River was not only a source of food, but also a lifeline that connected the different provinces along its banks.
\nThe Yangtze River holds significant historical significance and is often referred to as the cradle of Chinese civilization. It is home to several ancient Chinese culture sites including the Three Gorges – Taiji and Xiaoji, which date back to the Warring States period (475- 221 BC). Today, the Yangtze River is one of the key economic regions in China and a key infrastructure corridor for transportation and energy.<\/p>\n

Ecosystem and Species <\/h2>\n

The Yangtze River is home to more than 350 species of fish and 50 species of birds. It is also a home to the Chinese sturgeon and theChinese paddlefish who migrate in its waters for many kilometres for spawning. The Yangtze River’s beginning can be traced to the Kunlun Mountains in the far west of Qinghai province where the river originates.
\nThe river cascades through mountain ranges, all the way through gorges and canyons, and eventually empties into the East China Sea, covering a distance of 4,000 cities and towns. As the river slowly meanders downstream, it produces a number of wetlands and lakes, providing habitats for wetlands, seasonally flooded areas, salt marshes, high water meadows and woody thickets, which provide key habitats and food sources for many species, such as waterfowl, red-crowned and white-rumped cranes.<\/p>\n

Environmental and Water Issues <\/h2>\n

The Yangtze River faces many environmental issues that have been aggravated by human activities and the dams built along its banks. These issues include water pollution from industry, agricultural runoff, damming and deforestation, which disturb and destroy ecosystems. The extensive human activities have also drastically affected the natural flow of the Yangtze River, impairing floodplains and wetlands.
\nDue to the construction of more than three dozen dams, the flow has been dramatically altered and many species of fish, birds, and amphibians that used to inhabit the river are now facing extinction. The Yangtze River is among the most polluted rivers in the world and the huge amount of plastic pollution in the river is causing irreparable damage to the ecosystem.<\/p>\n

Conservation Projects <\/h2>\n