Yangtze River

The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia, measuring approximately 6,300 kilometers (about 3,915 miles) in length. It flows entirely through central China, from the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea. It is a crucial artery for regional transportation and agriculture.

The river originates high up on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, specifically from the Tanggula Mountains in western China. It flows eastward across the country, passing through major cities like Chongqing, Wuhan, and Nanjing. It ultimately empties its massive volume of water into the East China Sea near Shanghai.

The Three Gorges Dam is a massive hydroelectric gravity dam located along the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China. It is the world's largest power station by installed capacity, capable of generating massive amounts of electricity. The dam helps control flooding along the river, though it significantly altered the river's ecosystem.

The Yangtze River basin is a vital habitat for several species, most notably the heavily protected Chinese sturgeon. Historically, it was home to the Yangtze River dolphin, or Baiji, which was declared functionally extinct in recent decades. The river's size and diverse habitats still support significant populations of aquatic life and unique fisheries.