The Yangtze River (or, "Changjiang" in Chinese, literally, the "long river"), is the longest river in China, running 6,300 kilometers (3915 miles). It is also the third longest river in the world. Its basin, extending for some 2,000 miles from west to east and for more than 600 miles from north to south, drains a huge area in South China. The Yangtze also carries more water than any other river in China.

Source of the Yangtze  in Tibet                                source

The Yangtze is open to navigation all the year around. The picture to the left features one of the so-called "Three Gorges," dangerous to navigate because of its currents and shallows, but of incredible beauty.

Lake Dongting is the second largest lake in China. It lies in a basin in northern Hunan province to the south of the Yangtze River and is connected to the river.

Lake Dongting                                                                                 source

The picture to the right shows the Yangtze River flowing into the sea near the biggest city in China, Shanghai.

Do you think Shanghai's geographical situation helps explain its prominence?

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