Yellow River

Yellow River Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

The Yellow River is well known as sediment-laden river, average annual sediment inflow to downstream is 1.6 billion ton with sediment content 35kg/m3. Every year, average 400 million tons of sediment deposit on the lower reach of the Yellow River, which results in rising of river bed with a speed of 10cm. The river channel of downstream is 4-7 meters higher than the ground outside the river on average; the maximum is up to 13 meters higher. Since 1946, the dikes of downstream have been heightened and strengthened for three times and downstream flood control engineering system has preliminarily formed as so called "retaining flood on the upper stream, discharging flood through downstream channel, establishing detention and retention areas by both banks". Those have achieved great success to ensure the safety of dike for several decades. Soil conservation work has been done on the area of the upper and middle reaches; accumulated preliminary treatment area is up to 154,000km2.

Routes of Yellow River

According to Yellow River Conservancy Commission, the Yellow River can be divided into three parts: Upper Reaches, Middle Reaches and Lower Reaches by Hekou Town, Inner Mongolia and Taohuayu Valley, Zhengzhou.

Upper Reaches

The Upper Reaches of the Yellow River extend from the headstream to Hekou Town, a distance of 3,472 km. (2,157 miles). It covers a drainage area of 386 thousand sq km. (149 thousand sq miles), 51.3% of the whole area and winds in an "S" shape around several mountains which block its path.

Branches

This section joins together 43 large branch rivers, and with little mud or sand, it is the main source of fresh water for the Yellow River. It is also rich in water resources, with a total of 28 gorges and many hydropower stations. These gorges are mainly concentrated in the section between Longyangxia Gorge and Qingtongxia Gorge. Downstream of Qingtongxia the water becomes calmer and benefits many well-known irrigation plains: Yinchuan Plain and Hetao Plain, within Ningxia and Inner Mongolia.

Middle Reaches

The section between Hekou and Taohuayu constitutes the Middle Reaches. It extends 1, 204 km. (748 miles) and runs through an area of 344 thousand sq km. (133 thousand sq miles), 45.7% of the whole area. This section has 30 large branches and two gorges and is the second base of the hydro-electric power of Yellow River. Most of the branch rivers here pass through the mountain and ravine area of Loess Plateau, the main source of mud and sand in Yellow River.

Lower Reaches

The section downstream of Taohuayu is the Lower Reaches of Yellow River. It is only 786 km. (488 miles) long and 23 thousand sq km. (9 thousand) large, 3% of the whole. Due to the huge amount of mud and sand accumulated on the riverbed, the Yellow River is known as 'River above the Ground'. With few hills, this part of river mainly relies on artificial dikes to prevent floods. Apart from the summer flood season, the dikes may easily burst during the spring melting ice flood season, leading to the construction of new dikes and further changes to the route of the river. The historical records note that, up till 1946, the Yellow River has suffered floods almost 1,600 times and altered routes 26 times.

Civilization of Yellow River

Ancient Times

Yellow River, often referred to as the Mother River of China, is the cradle of the Chinese culture. For more than 3,000 years, the Yellow River basin was the political, economic, and cultural center of the nation. Due to its natural splendor and the deep cultural heritage it represents, the Yellow River continues to be a point of pride for people throughout China.

Paleolithic Era

Throughout the Paleolithic Era, the Yellow River basin was inhabited by hunters and gatherers (who later developed ways of creating fire and farming). Approximately 4,000 years ago, some blood clannish tribes formed in the area, which began vying for control. Of these, the Yandi and the Huangdi tribes were most powerful. In time, the Huangdi won control of the Yellow River Basin and united the other tribes under their leadership (and taking on a new name, "Huaxia"). Subsequent generations often refer to Huangdi as the ancestors of the Chinese nation, claiming to be descendents of either the Huangdi or Yanhuang tribe.

China's First Dynasty

From the time of China's first dynasty - Xia (21st-16th Century BC) to the Northern Song Dynasty (386-581), all of the central dynasties were focused in this area. Of the seven ancient capital cities of China, four were located in this area: Xian in Shaanxi, Anyang, Kaifeng, and Luoyang in Henan. Anyang, the former Yindu of Shang Dynasty (16th-11th Century BC), was one of the world's three cultural hubs- others included Egypt and Babylon. Xian (formerly Changan), remained the country's capital for more than 1,000 years - throughout 13 dynasties. Luoyang, called the Ancient Capital of 9 Dynasties, controlled the country for more than 900 years. Kaifeng, formerly Bianliang, reined for over 200 years.

Early Development in Science

The Yellow River area is also renowned for its early developments in science, technology and culture. Bronze appeared here in 2,000 BC, and iron melting emerged around the Yellow River over 2,000 years before it was discovered in Europe. The Oracle Bone Script of Shang Dynasty pioneered the record of characters in China.

The "Four Invention" of China, that is, papermaking, printing, gunpowder and compass, were also invented in this area. In addition, the Book of Songs, Tang Poems, Song Ci (poetry of Song Dynasty), and many other works of classic literature originated here. After the Northern Song Dynasty, the political center of China transferred to the south, but the influence of Yellow River area remains far-reaching.

Numerous Culture Relics

The numerous cultural relics preserved in this area speak volumes about the prosperity and prestige that the Yellow River as seen. Visiting this area is a must for all those who are interested in Chinese history and culture

Yellow River Highlights

Yellow River Highlights Related

Yellow River attraction highlights

• Hukou Waterfall
• Shapotou
• Yellow River Scenic Area

Yellow River FAQ & Travelers's Tips

1. I know the big rivers in China divide this country into different drainage areas. Can you introduce some famous rivers for me?
2. Which one is the longest river in China?
3. Why Chinese refer to the Yellow River as "the Mother River" and "the Cradle of the Chinese civilization?"
4. If I want to pay a visit to the Yangtze River, Could you recommend some famous scenic areas?
5. I am interested in the three Yangze River Gorges, May I know more about them?
6. Which is the most convenient way If I pay a visit to the three Yangze River Gorges?
7. Could you recommend some famous mountains in China?
8. Can you recommend some of the Five Sacred Mountains briefly?
9. Can you recommend some good choices if I want to climb mountain?
10. What is the best time to climb mountains in China such as the five famous mountains? Can I reserve rooms on the top of the mountains?
11. There is a saying in China: east or west, Guilin is the best. Why do we say that?
12. Silk Road is an imaginary place for me. Could you give a general introduction?
13. What is the best season to visit the Silk Road?
14. Why Giant Panda is referred to a Chinese national treasure?

1. I know the big rivers in China divide this country into different drainage areas. Can you introduce some famous rivers for me?

   Sure, there are some long rivers they divide China into different regions such as Yangtze River, Yellow River, Qinhuai River, Huai River, Yalu River and some other rivers.
   




2. Which one is the longest river in China?

   I should say the Yangtze River (Changjiang), over 6,300 kilometers long, it is the largest and longest river in China, and the third-longest in the world. As the largest river in the region, the Yangtze is historically, culturally, and economically important to China.
   

3. Why Chinese refer to the Yellow River as "the Mother River" and "the Cradle of the Chinese civilization?"

   The Yellow River is called "the cradle of Chinese civilization," as its basin is the birthplace of the northern Chinese civilizations and is the most prosperous region in early Chinese history. But frequent devastating flooding, largely due to the elevated river bed in its lower course, has also earned it the unenviable name "China's Sorrow."




4. If I want to pay a visit to the Yangtze River, Could you recommend some famous scenic areas?

   Yes, the most impressive section of the river is the three Yangtze River Gorges: Qutang Gorge, Wuxia Gorge and Xiling Gorge, collectively known as Sanxia, or the Three Gorges.
   
   
   
   

5. I am interested in the three Yangze River Gorges, May I know more about them?

   Qutang Gorge, Rocky Mountains rise perpendicularly like walls on both sides of the river squeezing the broad river into a narrow ribbon threading its way in the Qutang Gorge. The turbulent waters flowing in the deep gorge along a continuous line of peaks make a most magnificent picture. Wuxia Gorge is noted for its deep and serene scenes. Wuxia Gorge is full of zigzag, weird peaks, rising mists and beautiful sights. The famous Twelve Peaks on both banks of the river, in particular, are the most spectacular. These strange-looking peaks are like a fairy maid dancing. And Xiling Gorge is known for dangerous rapids and numerous shoals, the latter including the Qingtan, Kongling and Xietan shoals.
   
   

6. Which is the most convenient way If I pay a visit to the three Yangze River Gorges?

   In most cases, steamboat is your favorite choice. When the steamboat ploughed across the largest river, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery on both sides.
   
   
   

7. Could you recommend some famous mountains in China?

   There are Five Sacred Mountains in China. They are the Eastern Mountain - Mt. Taishan, the Sounthern Mountain C Mt. Hengshan, the Western Mountain C Mt. Huashan, the Northern Mountain C Mt. Hengshan and the Central Mountain C Mt. Songshan.
   

8. Can you recommend some of the Five Sacred Mountains briefly?

   I will introduce you the most representative two mountains: Mt. Taishan and Mt. Huashan. Towering in the central part of Shandong Province, Mt. Taishan, with its elevation of 1545 meters above sea level, is the first of China's five sacred mountains and one of the national major famous scenic areas. Standing in Huayin County, 120 km east of Xi'an City, the Mt. Huashan is noted for its sheer cliffs and towering peaks. The peaks are connected by a series of sharp ridges, generally only wide enough to accommodate one person at a time Along the touring route, tourists can visit many amazing ancient buildings perched on the knife-sharp edges.

    

9. Can you recommend some good choices if I want to climb mountain?

   I should mention the Eastern Mountain - Mt. Taishan. There is a saying that Mt.Taishan is the preeminent of the Five Sacred Mountains. Mt. Taishan has an extremely rich cultural heritage. It has always been regarded as pre-eminent among China's five sacred mountains. It was also a symbol of power. And secondly, I should say Mt. Huangshan. It is often said that enjoy Huangshan Mountain, there're no more mountains! Mt. Huangshan can boast not only of its magnificence but also its abundant resources and great variety of zoological species, for which it has been listed as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site.




10. What is the best time to climb mountains in China such as the five famous mountains? Can I reserve rooms on the top of the mountains?

    Sure, we can always make the arrangement according to your requirements. If you want to stay one night on the top of the mountain, please let us know so that we can inform the hotels beforehand to meet your needs. Actually, different seasons have different scene, but there is one rule you should to follow that is to avoid the high tourist season in China.
    
    

11. There is a saying in China: east or west, Guilin is the best. Why do we say that?

    Guilin is the world famous scenery tour city, has the matchless karst landform. Here mountain, the flat land pulls out, differ in thousands of ways; The Lijiang River water, winds windingly, the clear and bright like mirror; The mountain has the hole, the hole peaceful scene is wonderful, magnificent sight. So she got the name.
    
    

12. Silk Road is an imaginary place for me. Could you give a general introduction?

    Silk Road is one of the world's oldest and most historically important trade routes and its influences on the culture of China, Central Asia and the West. It is a series of trade and cultural transmission routes that were central to cultural interaction through regions of the Asian continent connecting East and West Asia by linking traders, merchants, pilgrims, monks, soldiers, nomads and urban dwellers from China to the Mediterranean Sea during various periods of time.
    

13. What is the best season to visit the Silk Road?

    The months of May and October are the best time to travel the Silk Road. The summer can be searingly hot. The winter is freezing. During May, the average temperature along the Silk Road is around 15 C. The scenery is most beautiful during May. The accumulated winter snow on the tableland is melting. The grass is turning green. Visitors can enjoy this enchanting scenery without suffering extreme temperatures.
    
    

14. Why Giant Panda is referred to a Chinese national treasure?

    The Giant Panda is a mammal classified in the bear family (Ursidae), native to central-western and southwestern China. In recent decades the Giant Panda has also served as an emblem for the country. Its image appears on a large number of modern Chinese commemorative silver, gold, and platinum coins. The species is a favorite of the public, at least in part because many people find that it has a baby-like cuteness. So we had a panda, called Pan Pan as one of our mascots of the 2008 Olympic Games, which implied expecting peace, friendship and good results of the athletes.