# Yangtze

> Longest river in Asia, and the third-longest in the world

**Wikidata**: [Q5413](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5413)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yangtze)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yangtze

## Summary
The Yangtze River, also known as Chang Jiang, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. It flows entirely within the People's Republic of China, serving as a vital waterway for transportation, agriculture, and industry, and is deeply intertwined with the country's geography, economy, and culture.

## Key Facts
- **Name and Aliases**: Known as Yangtze, Chang Jiang, Yangzi, Yangtze River, Changjiang River, Chang Jiang River, Yang-tsze-kiang, Jiang, Kiang, or Blue River
- **Location**: Entirely within the People's Republic of China, flowing through multiple provinces and municipalities
- **Length**: Longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world
- **Coordinates**: Key points include 33.42888888888889°N, 91.1825°E; 31.393611111111°N, 121.98305555556°E; and 32.60388888888889°N, 94.51222222222222°E
- **Provinces and Regions Traversed**: Qinghai, Tibet Autonomous Region, Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shanghai
- **Upper Course**: The Jinsha River is the upper course of the Yangtze
- **Connected Water Bodies**: Includes Tangxun Lake, East Lake, and South Lake (Wuhan)
- **Delta**: Forms the Yangtze Delta, a major economic and agricultural region
- **Bridges**: Includes the Wanzhou Yangtze River Bridge (completed in 1997)
- **Sitelink Count**: 163 references across various platforms

## FAQs

**Where is the Yangtze River located?**
The Yangtze River is located entirely within the People's Republic of China. It flows through multiple provinces and municipalities, including Qinghai, Tibet Autonomous Region, Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shanghai.

**What are the alternative names for the Yangtze River?**
The Yangtze River is also known as Chang Jiang, Yangzi, Yangtze River, Changjiang River, Chang Jiang River, Yang-tsze-kiang, Jiang, Kiang, or Blue River.

**Which provinces and regions does the Yangtze River flow through?**
The Yangtze River flows through Qinghai, Tibet Autonomous Region, Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shanghai.

**What is the significance of the Jinsha River in relation to the Yangtze?**
The Jinsha River is the upper course of the Yangtze River, serving as a critical segment of its overall flow.

**What are some notable features along the Yangtze River?**
Notable features include Tangxun Lake, East Lake, South Lake (Wuhan), the Yangtze Delta, and the Wanzhou Yangtze River Bridge.

**How long is the Yangtze River?**
The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, though the exact length is not specified in the provided data.

**What is the Yangtze Delta?**
The Yangtze Delta is a major economic and agricultural region formed by the Yangtze River as it approaches the East China Sea.

**When was the Wanzhou Yangtze River Bridge completed?**
The Wanzhou Yangtze River Bridge was completed in 1997.

## Why It Matters
The Yangtze River is a cornerstone of China's geography, economy, and cultural heritage. As the longest river in Asia and the third-longest globally, it plays a crucial role in transportation, agriculture, and industry, supporting millions of people along its course. The river's basin is one of the most densely populated and economically productive regions in China, contributing significantly to the nation's GDP. Additionally, the Yangtze is a vital ecological system, hosting diverse wildlife and serving as a key water source for irrigation and hydroelectric power. Its historical and cultural significance is profound, influencing Chinese civilization for millennia and remaining a symbol of national identity.

## Notable For
- **Longest River in Asia**: The Yangtze is the longest river on the continent.
- **Third-Longest River in the World**: It ranks as the third-longest globally.
- **Cultural and Historical Significance**: The river has shaped Chinese civilization for thousands of years.
- **Economic Importance**: Supports agriculture, industry, and transportation across multiple provinces.
- **Ecological Diversity**: Hosts a wide range of wildlife and ecosystems.
- **Hydroelectric Power**: A major source of renewable energy for China.
- **Yangtze Delta**: One of the most economically vibrant regions in China.
- **Jinsha River**: The upper course of the Yangtze, critical to its flow.
- **Wanzhou Yangtze River Bridge**: A significant infrastructure project completed in 1997.

## Body

### Geography and Course
The Yangtze River, also known as Chang Jiang, flows entirely within the People's Republic of China. It traverses a diverse range of landscapes, from the high plateaus of Qinghai and Tibet to the fertile plains of central and eastern China. The river originates in the Tanggula Mountains in Qinghai Province and flows eastward through Tibet Autonomous Region, Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, and finally into the East China Sea near Shanghai.

The Yangtze's course is divided into several segments, with the Jinsha River serving as its upper course. This segment is crucial for the river's overall flow and is known for its rugged terrain and rapid currents. The river's middle and lower courses are characterized by broader channels, extensive floodplains, and a network of lakes and tributaries.

### Provinces and Regions
The Yangtze River flows through multiple provinces and municipalities, each contributing to its economic and cultural significance:

- **Qinghai**: The river originates in this province, known for its high-altitude landscapes.
- **Tibet Autonomous Region**: The Yangtze flows through the eastern part of Tibet, where it is known for its deep gorges and scenic beauty.
- **Yunnan**: The river passes through Yunnan's diverse terrain, including mountains and valleys.
- **Sichuan**: A major agricultural and industrial region, Sichuan relies heavily on the Yangtze for irrigation and transportation.
- **Chongqing**: This municipality is a key economic hub along the river, known for its industrial and commercial activities.
- **Hubei**: Home to the Three Gorges Dam, Hubei is a critical region for hydroelectric power and flood control.
- **Hunan**: The river supports agriculture and industry in this province, known for its rich cultural heritage.
- **Jiangxi**: The Yangtze flows through Jiangxi's fertile plains, supporting agriculture and local economies.
- **Anhui**: The river's lower course passes through Anhui, contributing to its economic development.
- **Jiangsu**: A major economic and industrial region, Jiangsu benefits from the Yangtze's transportation and water resources.
- **Shanghai**: The river empties into the East China Sea near Shanghai, one of China's largest and most important cities.

### Key Features and Landmarks
The Yangtze River is home to several notable features and landmarks:

- **Jinsha River**: The upper course of the Yangtze, known for its rugged terrain and importance in the river's overall flow.
- **Tangxun Lake**: A lake connected to the Yangtze, located in Hubei Province.
- **East Lake**: Another lake connected to the Yangtze, also in Hubei Province.
- **South Lake (Wuhan)**: A lake in Wuhan, Hubei Province, connected to the Yangtze.
- **Yangtze Delta**: A major economic and agricultural region formed by the river's sediment deposits.
- **Wanzhou Yangtze River Bridge**: A significant infrastructure project completed in 1997, facilitating transportation across the river.

### Economic and Cultural Significance
The Yangtze River is a vital economic artery for China, supporting agriculture, industry, and transportation. Its basin is one of the most densely populated and economically productive regions in the country, contributing significantly to China's GDP. The river's water resources are essential for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and industrial use.

Culturally, the Yangtze has shaped Chinese civilization for millennia. It has inspired literature, art, and folklore, and remains a symbol of national identity. The river's historical significance is reflected in its role in ancient trade routes, military campaigns, and the development of Chinese culture.

### Environmental and Ecological Importance
The Yangtze River is a critical ecological system, hosting diverse wildlife and serving as a key water source for irrigation and hydroelectric power. The river's basin is home to numerous species of fish, birds, and mammals, including the endangered Yangtze finless porpoise and the Chinese sturgeon. The river's ecosystems are vital for biodiversity and environmental sustainability in China.

### Infrastructure and Development
The Yangtze River has been the focus of significant infrastructure projects, including the Three Gorges Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world. The Wanzhou Yangtze River Bridge, completed in 1997, is another notable infrastructure project, facilitating transportation and economic development along the river.

### Related Entities and Connections
The Yangtze River is connected to several entities and organizations, including:

- **Liangjiang New Area**: A state-level new area in Chongqing, focused on economic development and innovation.
- **Changjiang Scholars Program**: A Chinese higher education development program aimed at attracting top talent to universities along the Yangtze.
- **Jinshajiangite**: A mineral named after the Jinsha River, the upper course of the Yangtze.

### Coordinates and Technical Details
The Yangtze River's coordinates include key points such as 33.42888888888889°N, 91.1825°E; 31.393611111111°N, 121.98305555556°E; and 32.60388888888889°N, 94.51222222222222°E. These coordinates mark significant locations along the river's course, from its origin in Qinghai to its mouth near Shanghai.

### Sitelink and Reference Data
The Yangtze River has a sitelink count of 163, indicating its extensive coverage across various platforms and references. This reflects the river's global significance and the widespread interest in its geography, economy, and cultural importance.

## References

1. Source
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
4. English Wikipedia
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Yangtze-River)
7. KBpedia
8. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)