Yangtze rive

The Yangtze, also called Chang Jiang, is China’s longest river and one of the world’s major river systems. It flows generally east from the Tibetan Plateau across central China to the East China Sea near Shanghai.

How it works

The river and its tributaries drain a large basin that supports cities, agriculture, transport, and ecosystems. The Three Gorges Dam is located along the river in Hubei Province.

Example or application

The Yangtze is often divided into upper, middle, and lower reaches to discuss its geography. Its route links inland regions with the coast, though the river’s characteristics change along the way.

Scope and limits

River conditions, water levels, and navigation can vary by season. Superlative rankings depend on whether a source compares length, discharge, or basin area.

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