Yangtze River

River in China

About

Etymology

• 📜 Chinese Names: Various sections of the Yangtze have local names, such as Chuān Jiāng (Sichuan River) and Jīng Jiāng (Jing River).
• 🌍 English Name: The name 'Yangtze' is derived from the local name Yángzǐ Jiāng, used in the Yangzhou region.
• 🗺️ Historical Names: Early English maps referred to the river as Kian or Kiam, based on Middle Chinese pronunciation.
• 🔵 Blue River: The name 'Blue River' was used in the 18th century but fell out of favor due to its inaccuracy.

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Historical Significance

• 🏺 Neolithic Cultures: The Central Yangtze valley was home to sophisticated Neolithic cultures.
• ⚔️ Warring States: The lower Yangtze was inhabited by the Yue tribes, who were influenced by northern Chinese culture.
• 🌾 Agriculture: The region became a major agricultural hub during the Han dynasty, surpassing the Yellow River region.
• 🚢 Transportation: The Yangtze has been a vital transportation route for centuries, with the Grand Canal connecting it to northern China.

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Geography

• 🗺️ Course: The Yangtze flows from the Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai to the East China Sea near Shanghai.
• 🏞️ Elevation Drop: The river drops from above 5,000 meters (16,000 feet) to less than 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) over its first 2,600 kilometers (1,600 miles).
• 🌊 Tributaries: Major tributaries include the Han River, Dongting Lake, and Lake Poyang.
• 🌾 Floodplain: Tens of millions live in the Yangtze floodplain, which naturally floods every summer.

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Wildlife

• 🐟 Fish Species: The Yangtze basin is home to 416 fish species, including 362 freshwater species.
• 🐢 Endangered Species: The river is home to endangered species like the Yangtze finless porpoise and the Chinese alligator.
• 🦀 Crabs: The basin contains a large number of freshwater crab species, including the commercially important Chinese mitten crab.
• 🐬 Extinct Species: The baiji dolphin was declared functionally extinct in 2006.

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Tourist Attractions

• 🏞️ Three Gorges: A scenic area known for its dramatic landscapes and the Three Gorges Dam.
• 🚢 River Cruises: Popular tourist activity offering views of the river's natural beauty and historical sites.
• 🏯 Historical Sites: Includes ancient towns like Fengdu and temples such as the Shibaozhai Pagoda.
• 🌉 Bridges: Notable bridges include the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge and the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge.

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Transportation

• 🚢 Historical Route: The Yangtze has been a major transportation route for centuries.
• 🛳️ Steamships: Steamers began navigating the upper river in the late 19th century.
• 🌉 Bridges: The first bridge across the Yangtze was the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, completed in 1957.
• 🚄 Modern Connectivity: The river is now spanned by numerous bridges, facilitating rail and road transport.

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