At 6,397 km (3,975 miles), the Yangtze River is the third longest river in the world, the longest in Asia, and the longest river in China. But beyond these impressive numbers, how much do you really know about it?
From geography and culture to economic importance and iconic attractions, let's discover the 15 surprising facts about the Yangtze.
1. The Source of the Yangtze is on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Tanggula MountainsThe Yangtze River originates from the southwest side of the Geladandong Peak, the main peak of the Tanggula Mountains in Tibet.
Then it flows from west to east and pours into the East China Sea by Shanghai.
2. The Yangtze River is Known by Different Names along its Course.
The first bend of the Yangtze is in Lijiang, YunnanNear its source on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it is called the Tuotuo River and the Tongtian River.
Along the border of Yunnan and Sichuan, it is known as the Jinsha River.
From Yibin, Sichuan, the Min River flows into the Jinsha River, and the combined river takes the name Changjiang. It then flows east through cities such as Chongqing, Wuhan, and Nanjing, before reaching the sea at Shanghai.
Historically, the Changjiang also had regional names. In Sichuan and Chongqing, it was called Chuanjiang; in Hubei, it was known as Jingjiang; while the stretch between Nanjing and Shanghai was called the Yangtze.
Western missionaries first encountered the river in Nanjing and Shanghai sections, so the Yangtze River gradually became the standard English name used to refer to the entire river.
3. The Yangtze Flows from Rapids to Wide Waterways.
| Section | Location | What It's Like |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Reaches | Source → Yichang | flows fast with steep drops |
| Middle Reaches | Yichang → Hukou | winding with more tributaries |
| Lower Reaches | Hukou →Shanghai | the river widens, and the current becomes gentler. |
Because of the steep gradient and powerful flow, most of the Yangtze's hydropower stations are built in the upper reaches.
The Jinsha River section has the greatest drop (about 3,300 meters). You can spot four of the world's top ten hydropower stations there: Baihetan, Xiluodu, Wudongde, and Xiangjiaba.
The middle and lower reaches are much wider and calmer, making them ideal for shipping. This is why the Yangtze is often called China's "Golden Waterway."
4. Three Gorges Dam is the World's Largest Hydropower Station.
The Three Gorges DamThere are so many dams on the Yangtze River, but the Three Gorges Dam is in a class of its own. It was completed in 2009, located in Yichang, Hubei.
It plays a momentous role in flood control, electricity generation, shipping, aquaculture, tourism, and irrigation. Every year, it generates over 100 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity.
You can ride the ship lift at the dam and experience the thrill of passing through this engineering marvel.
Join our 14-Day Yangtze River Cruise and Panda Family Tour. You'll have a guide to share the stories and hidden details of the Yangtze.
5. Yangtze Shipping Routes Have Been Shortened by Raised Water Levels.
Water channel of the Yangtze RiverBefore the Three Gorges hydropower stations were built, the Yangtze River water depth was low, and the Three Gorges water channel was narrow and shallow, especially on the section of the Three Gorges. So its shipping routes were longer.
With the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the water level of the Yangtze River has been raised to 175 meters, over 100 meters higher than before. This allows many large ships to pass through and greatly boosts Chongqing's shipping capacity.
6. Yangtze River Cruise is the Best Way to Explore the River.
Yangtze River CruiseThe Yangtze River cruise between Chongqing and Yichang is the most popular option. During a 3–4 day cruise, you can enjoy the most beautiful scenery of the Three Gorges at a relaxed pace.
There are also excursions along the way to visit famous riverside attractions, such as Baidi City, the Three Gorges Summit, Shennv Stream, Fengyan Three Kingdoms, and the Three Gorges Dam.
For a longer adventure, you can take a 14-day cruise from Chongqing to Shanghai to explore more cities along the Yangtze.
You can check out more on Yangtze River Cruises. We can help book the ship, arrange pick-up, and provide a private guide to make your trip seamless.
7. The Yangtze Passes through 11 Provincial-level Regions in China.
Yangtze River Bridge in Wuhan, HubeiTibet → Qinghai → Yunnan → Sichuan → Chongqing → Hubei → Hunan → Jiangxi → Anhui → Jiangsu → Shanghai
The Yangtze River basin covers a huge portion (18%) of the territory of China, 1,808,500 square kilometers (698,000 square miles), about 1/5 of the total land area of China.
It holds 40% of the population, who account for 40% of China's GDP.
8. The Yangtze River Has a Huge Number of Tributaries.
Wujiang Gallery , one of the tributariesThe Yangtze River has more than 700 tributaries. 49 have a catchment area of over 10,000 square kilometers (3,900 sq miles). 5 have a length of over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).
The "Eight Tributaries of the Yangtze River" are the Han River (Shaanxi), Jialing (Chongqing), Min (Sichuan), Yalong (Sichuan), Wu (Chongqing and Guizhou), Yuan (Hunan), Xiang (Hunan), and Gan (Jiangxi).
Each has an average annual discharge of over 50 cubic kilometers, and is larger than the 18th largest river in the USA (the Snake) or 15 times the UK's largest by discharge (the Tay).
Our 6-Day Chongqing, Wulong and Wujiang Gallery Tour will take you on the journey to the Yangtze and Wujiang.
9. The Yangtze Finless Porpoise is the Last Remaining Porpoise in the Yangtze
About 50 years ago, the Nanjing section of the Yangtze River was home to two rare freshwater cetaceans: the Baiji (Yangtze River dolphin) and the Yangtze finless porpoise.
As shipping traffic on the river increased, underwater noise made it difficult for the Baiji to navigate and find food. Combined with water pollution and overfishing that reduced its food supply, the species declined rapidly. In 2007, the Baiji was declared functionally extinct.
Today, we can only see the Yangtze finless porpoise left in the Yangtze River. Thanks to conservation efforts, there are now 1,426 porpoises remaining.
10. Fishing Has Been Prohibited in the Yangtze and Its Main Tributaries since 2021.
Fisherman is fishingAs the largest river in China, the Yangtze is rich in aquatic organisms. It is reported that there are more than 4,300 kinds of aquatic organisms in the Yangtze River Basin, including more than 400 species of fish. The Yangtze sturgeon is particularly impressive.
However, the aquatic biological resources in the Yangtze River Basin have been seriously declining in recent years due to long-term overfishing. Some species have even become extinct.
Therefore, to strengthen the protection and restoration of the Yangtze River's ecological environment, the government introduced a 10-year fishing ban, running from March 1, 2021, to March 1, 2031.
11. The Yangtze River Basin is a Major Grain-producing Region.
rice plantingAbout 35% of China's grain is grown in the Yangtze Basin (as well as about 31% of China's forested trees).
Rice accounts for 70% of the grain grown in the Yangtze Basin. The plains of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are the main grain-producing areas.
They are the Sichuan Plain, Poyang Lake Plain, Dongting Lake Plain, and Taihu Lake Plain. Wheat and barley are also extensively grown in the region. Other crops grown in the region include cotton, beans, and maize.
12. The Yangtze River Delta is one of the most Economically Developed Regions in China.
The Bund in ShanghaiIn the lower reaches of the Yangtze, bordering the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, an alluvial plain has formed before the Yangtze River flows into the sea: the Yangtze River Delta. Its major cities include Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, and Wenzhou etc.
With less than 4 percent of China's land area, this region accounts for 10% of China's population (over 140 million), nearly a quarter of China's economic aggregate, and one third of China's total import and export volume.
13. The Yangtze River Basin is home to more than half of China's ethnic groups.
Join the Miao Minority's activitiesMore than 30 of China's officially recognized 55 ethnic minorities live in the Yangtze River basin.
China's Southwest region, especially where the Yangtze River flows through it (Northwest Yunnan), is the densest area for different ethnic minorities in China. Their cultures and folk customs are very varied. This region is a good place to discover China's minority cultures.
14. There is a Rich Cultural Heritage along the Yangtze River.
Sea of clouds at Mount EmeiThe Yangtze River is known as the cradle of Chinese civilization and the "Mother River" of China (as is the Yellow River).
It has played an important role in China's history and cultural development. Ancient cultures such as the Liangzhu Civilization and the Sanxingdui Civilization were born in the Yangtze River basin.
Many cultural heritage sites are located in the Yangtze Basin, such as Qingcheng Mountain, Mt. Emei, Leshan Giant Buddha, Dazu Stone Carvings, Mt. Wudang, Mt. Lushan, the Xidi-Hongcun Ancient Village Group, the Hangzhou West Lake Cultural Landscape, the Suzhou Gardens, and the Ming and Qing Royal Mausoleums.
15. The Major Cities along the Yangtze River are also Popular Tourist Destinations.
Hongya Cave and the night view in ChongqingThe major tourist cities along the Yangtze River are Lijiang, Chongqing, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Shanghai.
Lijiang: You'll be captivated by the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the ethnic-style old town, and the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge
Chongqing: a magical 8D mountain city with cyberpunk night views. Also, the popular boarding point for the Yangtze River Cruise.
Wuhan: best for the spring cherry blossoms, and has many Chinese-Western style buildings.
Nanjing: The ancient city walls, boat rides on Xuanwu Lake, and the night scenery along the Qinhuai River let you step back into the traditional charm of Jiangnan.
Shanghai is the largest city in China. You can go to Disneyland, Legoland, Huangpu River Cruise, and visit the Bund, the most brilliant spot.
If you don't know how to arrange a tour of these cities, you can contact us. We'll tailor-make the itinerary for you, including the hotels, guide, attractions, and private car for all destinations.
Discover the Yangtze Your Way
With over 26 years of experience in customized tours in China, we know how to create an itinerary that fits your personal preferences. You don't have to join large groups or travel with strangers.
You could also start your personalized tour plan from these recommended itineraries:
- 12-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Yangtze River, and Shanghai Tour
- 10-Day Yangtze River Cruise, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai Tour
- 5-Day Chongqing and Yangtze River Cruise Tour
See more on our Yangtze River Tour.