{"id":15406,"date":"2023-11-28T00:45:21","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T23:45:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=15406"},"modified":"2023-11-28T00:45:21","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T23:45:21","slug":"what-major-cities-does-the-yangtze-river-flow-through","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-major-cities-does-the-yangtze-river-flow-through\/","title":{"rendered":"What Major Cities Does The Yangtze River Flow Through"},"content":{"rendered":"
Background Information<\/strong><\/p>\n The Yangtze River is the longest river in China and the third-longest in the world. It is one of the most important watercourses in the world, and serves a vital role in the economy, trade and transportation of the country. The Yangtze River runs for 6,400 kilometres through nine provinces before emptying into the East China Sea. During its course it flows through some of the largest and most important cities in the country.<\/p>\n The Magnitude of the Yangtze River<\/strong><\/p>\n The Yangtze River is second only to the Amazon when it comes to water discharge of any river in the world. On average, an astonishing 31,700 cubic metres of water flows through the river each second. This incredible waterway has been in existence since ancient times and has been essential to the development of China’s economy.<\/p>\n Major Cities of the Yangtze River <\/strong><\/p>\n The Yangtze River and its tributaries have provided crucial opportunities for the development of cities along its course. Several major cities have become economical, social and cultural centres as a result of their being situated on the Yangtze River. Some of the most important of these cities include Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Chongqing, as well as the ancient capital cities of Wuhan, Zhenjiang and Jiujiang.<\/p>\n Shanghai, the Largest City<\/strong><\/p>\n Shanghai is the largest city along the Yangtze River, and serves as an important economic, industrial and financial hub in the region. Located in the Yangtze Delta, it is the biggest Chinese city by population and one of the metropolitan cities in the world. The Yangtze River, as well as its tributaries, has enabled Shanghai to develop into a major port; the city also receives a significant share of the Yangtze’s water discharge.<\/p>\n Nanjing, the Traditional Capital<\/strong><\/p>\n Nanjing is the second largest city by population along the Yangtze River. It is the capital of Jiangsu Province and is often referred to as the ‘capital of six dynasties’- having served as the traditional capital of six different dynasties throughout history. It is now a major industrial, commercial and educational centre and benefits from its proximity to the Yangtze River by drawing in water for irrigation and industry.<\/p>\n Hangzhou, the Economic Hub<\/strong><\/p>\n Hangzhou serves as the political, economic and cultural centre of the Yangtze River Delta Region. Despite its relatively small size, it is the third largest city by population in the region. Hangzhou has developed into one of China’s most prosperous cities, owing largely to its strategic position on the banks of the river.<\/p>\n Chongqing, the Industrial Centre<\/strong><\/p>\n Chongqing is the largest city along the Yangtze River by area. It serves as an important industrial, financial and trade centre in the region, due to its proximity to the river. It is also one of the three national central cities, alongside Beijing and Shanghai.<\/p>\n Water pollution is a serious issue in many Chinese cities and the Yangtze River is not immune to this. The number of water pollutants has been increasing in the Yangtze over time, due to industrial, domestic and agricultural activities. The pollutants have a severe effect on both human health and the environment; it has been estimated that 79% of Yangtze River Basin water resources are polluted.<\/p>\nWater Pollution<\/strong><\/h2>\n