The Yangtze River is the longest river in China and the third longest river in the world. It has a total length of about 6,300 kilometers. It originates from the Tanggula Mountains on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, flows through 11 provinces, and finally empties into the East China Sea. The Yangtze River Basin covers close to half of the populous areas in China and is an important economic, cultural, and ecological region in the country. The River gave birth to the earliest Chinese civilization, like Sanxingdui civilization, Shijiahe culture, and Liangzhu culture. Nowaday, it supports about one-third of China’s population and GDP. In the middle reach of Yangtze River, sits one of the largest dams in the world, Three Gorges Dam. The dam not only generates a tremendous amount of hydro power, it also improves the flood control and the shipping conditions of the river. However, the Yangtze River is still facing ecological pressure. In recent years, China has stepped up its efforts in ecological restoration and fishery protection. It is determined to achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
- Chongqing: The economic center in southwest China. It is a mountaineous city and has a long history and culture.
- Yichang: The starting point of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. It is a famous tourist city, and the location of the Three Gorges Dam.
- Jingzhou: A famous cultural city with a long history. It was one of the important ancient cities in the Three Kingdoms period.
- Wuhan: The capital of Hubei Province and also the largest city in the central region. It is rich in scientific, educational, and economic resources.
- Yueyang: The confluence of Dongting Lake and the Yangtze River. It is famous for the Yueyang Tower and Junshan Island.
- Jiujiang: The northern gateway of Jiangxi province, where the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake meet. It is an important transportation hub.
- Anqing: An important city in Anhui. It is the hometown of Huangmei Opera, with profound historical and cultural heritage.
- Wuhu: An important industrial base and transportation hub in Anhui, known as the “River City”.
- Nanjing: The capital of Jiangsu Province, and the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties. It is a historical and cultural city, with strong scientific and educational strength.
- Zhenjiang: A historical and cultural city famous for its scenic spots and historical sites such as the Jinshan Temple and the Beigu Tower.
- Yangzhou: The intersection of the ancient Grand Canal and the Yangtze River. It has beautiful gardens and profound cultural heritage.
- Nantong: Located by the river and the sea. It has a well developed economy, and is known as the “Northern Shanghai”.
- Suzhou: A model of Jiangnan water town. It has the best classical Chinese gardens in the world and a significant high tech economy.
- Shanghai: China’s largest economic center city. It is an international financial, trade, and shipping center, and a modern metropolis.
