Yangtze

The Yangtze, known in Chinese as Chang Jiang (Long River), is the longest river in Asia and one of the longest in the world. Its length is commonly cited at about 6,300 kilometers (3,917 miles). The river drains a vast basin of roughly 1.8 million square kilometers and supports a large portion of China’s population and economic activity.

Origins and course

The Yangtze rises on the Tibetan Plateau in or near the Tanggula Mountains in Qinghai. It then follows an eastward course through several provinces and municipalities, including Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan, before traversing the central and eastern regions of China and emptying into the East China Sea near Shanghai. Notable sections include the upper Jinsha and the middle-lower river where the Three Gorges are located. Major tributaries include the Jialing, Han, Min, and Wu rivers, among others.

Hydrology, transport, and dams

The river functions as a major waterway for commerce and irrigation, with a long history of navigation and flood control. It supports large-scale hydroelectric development, most prominently the Three Gorges Dam on the middle-lower Yangtze, which became fully operational in the late 2000s with an installed capacity of about 22,500 megawatts. The dam has influenced flood management, power generation, and shipping, though it has also prompted concerns regarding displacement, sedimentation, and ecological change.

Ecology and environment

The Yangtze basin hosts diverse aquatic ecosystems, historically including several endemic species. The baiji or Chinese river dolphin, once found in the river, was declared functionally extinct in 2006. The finless porpoise remains endangered. Pollution, habitat loss, and sediment dynamics affect water quality and fish populations, with significant environmental and social implications for communities along the river and its floodplains such as Poyang and Dongting Lakes.

Cultural and regional significance

The Yangtze has shaped Chinese civilizations and economies for millennia, shaping the culture and development of the Yangtze River Delta, a major economic heartland. The river’s name and perception reflect its central role in Chinese history and geography.