{"id":15332,"date":"2024-01-31T05:30:13","date_gmt":"2024-01-31T04:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=15332"},"modified":"2024-01-31T05:30:13","modified_gmt":"2024-01-31T04:30:13","slug":"what-does-the-yangtze-river-look-like","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-does-the-yangtze-river-look-like\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does The Yangtze River Look Like"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Debated to be the longest river in the world, the Yangtze River has been an intriguing and fascinating part of Chinese history since it was first discovered over 3,900 years ago. During this time, the river has been affectionately considered as the “Mother River” of China, making it one of the most vibrant and eye-catching rivers in the world.
\nFrom the source located high up in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, to its terminus at the East China Sea, the Yangtze, or Changjiang in Chinese, meanders and curves its way through some of the most bountiful and vibrant locations in China, creating an immersive and picturesque destination.
\nOne of the most prominent features of the Yangtze River is its total length of over 6,300 kilometers. Travellers who choose to venture on a journey along the Yangtze, will find a grand array of landscape from the misty and humid slopes of Tibet in the West, to the densely populated and extremely misty regions of the Yangtze Delta in the East.
\nAlong its journey, the Yangtze River passes through bustling cities such as Chongqing, Wuhan, and Shanghai, while also traversing through numerous narrow and spectacular gorges like the Three Gorges, Xiling Gorge and Jingzhou Gorge. These allurements are connected, then met with tranquil and peaceful creeks, hidden valleys, and vivid stone forests.
\nTravelers can look forward to some of the most awe-inspiring and breathtaking scenery that China has to offer, including the West Lake of Hangzhou, the “Jiuzhaigou Valley of Fairyland” in Sichuan, and the Longgan Temple of Hunan. Every destination features unmissable sights, with the highlight being the majestic gold-sanded waterfall of the majestic Three Gorges.
\nAlong with the visually astounding meandering, the Yangtze River has also been immensely influential over the centuries. This not only extends to traditional Chinese literature and culture, but also to the many riverside settlements, urban cities, ancient temples, and historical landmarks along the way. As a result, the Yangtze River has been the center of social life and daily activities in China since time immemorial.
\nFrom the physical and cultural perspectives, the Yangtze River remains an integral part of the Chinese civilization and culture, drawing both locals and tourists alike to explore the many locations and sites along the 6,300 kilometer long trip. After all, the Yangtze River is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the Chinese culture and history that China has to offer.<\/p>\n

The Wildlife<\/h2>\n

The thriving landscape and environment along the Yangtze River has attracted a plethora of wildlife from both China and beyond. Some of the most prominent animals along the Yangtze include the Yangtze sturgeon, the Yangtze River dolphin and the Chinese alligator.
\nVarious species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds can also be seen along the Yangtze River. These include the Chinese softshell turtle, the Mandarin Duck, the Chinese white-flag dolphin, and the Chinese giant salamander. Furthermore, there are also numerous mammals including the Chinese inner-river minke whale, the Chinese warty pig, and the Chinese serow.
\nThe Yangtze River serves as a major habitat and source of food for these wildlife and is extremely important for maintaining their populations. As a result, their presence paints a breathtaking and radiant view of the Yangtze which keeps tourists coming back for more.<\/p>\n

The Pollution<\/h2>\n

Unfortunately, the Yangtze River has become heavily polluted in recent years. This is mainly due to rapid industrialization and rapid urbanization in the areas around the Yangtze River over the past few decades.
\nVarious types of sewage and industrial wastes have been freely discharged into the waters, resulting in an array of environmental issues including water shortages, water degradation, excessive sedimentation and eutrophication. The use of various harmful chemicals has further exacerbated these problems, leading to death or migration of many of the creatures that once lived in the river.<\/p>\n

The Yangtze Dam<\/h2>\n

In an attempt to reduce the impact of the pollution, the Chinese government has invested heavily in the construction of the Yangtze Dam–the world’s largest dam–which was completed in 2006.
\nThe dam was built to control the flow of the Yangtze, in order to reduce flooding downstream, and to generate hydroelectric power. It is clear that the Chinese government has gone to great lengths in an attempt to reduce the pollution and damage to the Yangtze River.<\/p>\n

The Three Gorges Project<\/h2>\n