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介绍长江的英语作文The Yangtze River, known as the Long River in China, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, trailing only the Nile and the Amazon. It stretches over6,300 kilometers, flowing through 11 provinces and cities before emptying into the East China Sea. The river is notjust a geographical feature; it is an integral part of Chinese history, culture, and economy.Geographically, the Yangtze River originates from the Geladandong peak of the Tanggula Mountains in Qinghai Province. It traverses China's diverse landscapes, from the high plateaus to the fertile plains, and supports a vast ecosystem that includes the rare and endangered species such as the Chinese alligator and the Baiji dolphin.Historically, the Yangtze has been a cradle of Chinese civilization. Ancient kingdoms and dynasties, such as the Three Kingdoms and the Tang Dynasty, rose and fell along its banks. The river has been immortalized in countless poems and paintings, reflecting its profound impact on the Chinese cultural psyche.Economically, the Yangtze River is a vital artery for transportation and trade. It has been used for millennia for navigation, and today, it handles a significant portion of China's internal water transport. The river also serves as a source of hydroelectric power, with the Three Gorges Dambeing one of the world's largest power stations.The river's basin is home to a substantial portion of China's population and is a key agricultural region, producing rice, wheat, and a variety of cash crops. It also supportsindustries such as manufacturing, fishing, and tourism,making it a cornerstone of the nation's economic prosperity.However, the Yangtze River faces challenges such as pollution, habitat destruction, and the impact of climate change. Conservation efforts and sustainable development practicesare essential to preserve this majestic river for future generations.In conclusion, the Yangtze River is more than just a natural wonder; it is the lifeblood of China, shaping its past, influencing its present, and holding the key to its future.As China continues to grow and develop, the sustainable management of the Yangtze River will be crucial for the well-being of its people and the health of its environment.。
介绍长江的英文作文英文：The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang in Chinese, is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world after the Nile and the Amazon. It flows through 11 provinces in China, covering a distance of 6,300 kilometers. The Yangtze River is not only an important water source for millions of people, but also a vital transportation route and a major tourist attraction.As a native Chinese, I have many fond memories of the Yangtze River. One of my favorite experiences was taking a cruise along the river from Chongqing to Yichang. During the journey, I was able to witness the stunning natural scenery and learn about the history and culture of the region. The highlight of the trip was visiting the Three Gorges Dam, which is the world's largest hydroelectric power station and a marvel of modern engineering.In addition to its natural beauty and cultural significance, the Yangtze River is also facing a number of environmental challenges. Pollution from industrial and agricultural activities has led to water quality degradation and loss of biodiversity. Efforts are being made by the Chinese government and various organizations to address these issues and protect the river for future generations.中文：长江，也被称为“长江”，是亚洲最长的河流，也是仅次于尼罗河和亚马逊河的世界第三长河流。
介绍长江英语作文50English:The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. Stretching approximately 6,300 kilometers from its source in the Tibetan Plateau to its mouth at the East China Sea, the Yangtze plays a crucial role in the economic development, transportation, and cultural heritage of China. Its basin covers about one-fifth of the land area of China and is home to over 400 million people. The river serves as a vital waterway for shipping goods and commodities, connecting inland cities to coastal regions. Additionally, it supports a diverse ecosystem with numerous species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. However, the Yangtze also faces significant challenges, including pollution, habitat loss, and the impacts of large-scale infrastructure projects like the Three Gorges Dam. Efforts to address these issues involve government policies, conservation initiatives, and public awareness campaigns aimed at preserving this invaluable natural resource for future generations.Translated content:长江，也被称为长江，是亚洲最长的河流，也是世界第三长的河流。
长江的作文英文回答：The Yangtze River, with a length of over 6,300 kilometers, is the longest river in Asia and the third longest river in the world. It flows through eleven provinces and two municipalities in China, covering an area of about 1.8 million square kilometers. The Yangtze River is a vital waterway for transportation, irrigation, and hydropower generation, and it plays a significant role in the economic and social development of China.The Yangtze River Basin is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, lakes, and rivers. It is also home to a variety of threatened and endangered species, such as the giant panda, the Chinese alligator, and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The Yangtze River is also a major cultural and historical landmark, with many famous landmarks and historical sites along its banks.However, the Yangtze River is facing a number of challenges, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. These challenges are threatening the health of the river and its ecosystems, as well as the livelihoods of the people who rely on it.Efforts are being made to protect the Yangtze River and its ecosystems. The Chinese government has implemented a number of policies and regulations to reduce pollution and overfishing, and to protect threatened and endangered species. Conservation organizations are also working toraise awareness of the importance of the Yangtze River andto promote sustainable practices.中文回答：长江，全长6300多公里，是亚洲最长的河流，也是世界第三大河。
关于长江介绍的英语作文The Yangtze River: China's Mighty WaterwayThe Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest river in the world, stretching an impressive 6,300 kilometers (3,900 miles) from its source in the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea. This mighty waterway, often referred to as the "Mother River of China," plays a vital role in the country's geography, economy, and cultural heritage.Originating from the glaciers of the Tanggula Mountains in western China, the Yangtze River flows eastward through a diverse landscape, traversing 11 provinces and municipalities before reaching the East China Sea. Along its winding path, the river encounters a variety of terrains, including snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, lush valleys, and bustling cities, each offering a unique glimpse into the natural and human history of China.One of the most remarkable features of the Yangtze River is its sheer size and the vast drainage basin it encompasses. With a drainage area of over 1.8 million square kilometers, the Yangtze River basin covers nearly one-fifth of China's total land area, making it thelargest river basin in the country. This extensive network of waterways, tributaries, and lakes not only provides a vital source of freshwater for millions of people but also supports a diverse array of ecosystems, from the high-altitude wetlands of the Tibetan Plateau to the rich estuarine habitats near the river's mouth.The Yangtze River's importance to China's economy cannot be overstated. It serves as a crucial transportation artery, facilitating the movement of goods, resources, and people across the country. The river's navigable sections, which stretch for over 2,400 kilometers, have long been a crucial component of China's domestic and international trade networks, connecting the prosperous coastal regions with the interior provinces. Additionally, the Yangtze River basin is home to some of China's most productive agricultural lands, contributing significantly to the country's food security.Beyond its economic significance, the Yangtze River also holds immense cultural and historical importance for the Chinese people. For centuries, the river has been a source of inspiration for artists, poets, and scholars, who have celebrated its beauty and power in their works. The river's banks are dotted with ancient towns, temples, and fortresses, each with its own unique story to tell, reflecting the rich tapestry of Chinese civilization.One of the most iconic landmarks along the Yangtze River is theThree Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric power station. Completed in 2006, the dam has transformed the landscape of the river, creating a vast reservoir that has both benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, the dam has provided clean, renewable energy to power China's rapidly growing economy, while also helping to control the devastating floods that have plagued the region for centuries. However, the creation of the reservoir has also led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and the submergence of numerous historical and cultural sites.Despite the challenges posed by the Three Gorges Dam and other human interventions, the Yangtze River remains a vital and dynamic ecosystem, home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. The river is a crucial habitat for several endangered species, including the iconic Chinese sturgeon and the elusive Yangtze finless porpoise. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these fragile species and preserve the ecological balance of the Yangtze River basin.In conclusion, the Yangtze River is a truly remarkable natural wonder, a testament to the power and resilience of China's natural environment. From its humble beginnings in the Tibetan Plateau to its grand finale in the East China Sea, the river has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's geography, economy, and cultural heritage. As China continues to grapple with the challenges of sustainable development and environmental protection, the YangtzeRiver will undoubtedly remain a central focus of attention, a symbol of the country's enduring spirit and its deep connection to the natural world.。
介绍长江的英语作文初中The Yangtze River: A Majestic Waterway Shaping China's LandscapeThe Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang, is a mighty waterway that has profoundly shaped the geography, culture, and economy of China. Stretching for over 6,300 kilometers (3,900 miles), it is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, surpassed only by the Nile and the Amazon. This vast river system has been the lifeblood of China for centuries, serving as a crucial transportation route, a source of irrigation for agriculture, and a hub of economic activity.The Yangtze River originates from the Tibetan Plateau, where it flows eastward through some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes in China. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the lush, rolling hills of central China, the river winds its way through a variety of ecosystems, each with its own unique flora and fauna. Along its course, the Yangtze passes through a number of major cities, including Chongqing, Wuhan, and Nanjing, all of which have played vital roles in China's economic and cultural development.One of the most remarkable features of the Yangtze River is its sheersize and power. With an average discharge of over 30,000 cubic meters per second, it is capable of carrying massive volumes of water and sediment, which have helped to shape the surrounding landscape over millennia. The river's deep gorges, steep cliffs, and meandering bends are a testament to the incredible force of its currents, which have carved out a path through the heart of China.Despite its immense size, the Yangtze River is also a hub of biodiversity, supporting a wide range of plant and animal life. The river is home to numerous species of fish, including the iconic Chinese sturgeon, as well as a variety of waterfowl and other wetland-dependent creatures. The region surrounding the Yangtze is also a major habitat for the endangered giant panda, which is found in the forests and bamboo thickets that line the river's banks.In addition to its ecological significance, the Yangtze River has also played a crucial role in China's economic and cultural development. For centuries, the river has served as a vital transportation route, allowing for the movement of goods, people, and ideas across the country. The construction of the Three Gorges Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the world, has also harnessed the power of the Yangtze to generate clean, renewable energy, which has helped to fuel China's rapid industrialization.The Yangtze River has also been a source of inspiration for Chineseart, literature, and philosophy. The river's majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage have been celebrated in countless works of art, from traditional scroll paintings to contemporary photography. The river's role in shaping the lives of the people who live along its banks has also been a recurring theme in Chinese literature, with writers exploring the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.Despite the immense importance of the Yangtze River, the waterway is facing a number of challenges in the 21st century. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and climate change have all taken a toll on the river's delicate ecosystem, threatening the survival of many of its unique species and disrupting the livelihoods of the people who depend on it. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Yangtze River and its surrounding environment, but the task is a daunting one, requiring the concerted efforts of both the Chinese government and the global community.In conclusion, the Yangtze River is a truly remarkable natural wonder that has played a central role in shaping the history, culture, and economy of China. From its majestic landscapes to its rich biodiversity, the river continues to captivate and inspire people around the world. As we look to the future, it will be crucial to find ways to balance the need for economic development with the imperative of environmental protection, ensuring that this vitalwaterway can continue to sustain and enrich the lives of generations to come.。
介绍长江的英语作文不明显The Yangtze River, known as Chang Jiang in Chinese, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. Stretching over 6,300 kilometers, it originates from the glaciers of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and flows eastward through eleven Chinese provinces before emptying into the East China Sea near Shanghai. Its significance extends beyond its sheer length; the Yangtze River has played a pivotal role in shaping the history, culture, and economy of China.Flowing through the heartland of China, the Yangtze River has been a cradle of civilization for millennia. Its fertile basin has nurtured numerous ancient cultures, witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, and served as a vital artery for trade and communication. The river has been celebrated in Chinese literature, art, and folklore, symbolizing resilience, vitality, and the eternal cycle of life.In addition to its cultural importance, the Yangtze River is an economic powerhouse, driving the prosperity of the regions it traverses. The river basin encompasses some of China's most developed cities, including Chongqing, Wuhan, and Nanjing, which are vital hubs for industry, commerce, and innovation. The Yangtze River Economic Belt, launched in 2016, aims to further leverage the river's resources to boost regional development and integrate the economies along its course.Moreover, the Yangtze River serves as a lifeline for millions of people who depend on it for water, food, and transportation. Its waters sustain agriculture, providing irrigation for rice paddies and other crops that feed a significant portion of China's population. Meanwhile, its navigable channels facilitate the transport of goods, connecting inland provinces to coastal ports and international markets.However, the Yangtze River also faces numerous challenges and threats to its ecological integrity. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural expansion have led to pollution, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity. The construction of dams and hydropower projects, notably the Three Gorges Dam, has altered the river'sflow, impacting its ecosystem and triggering concerns about sedimentation, erosion, and landslides.In response to these challenges, the Chinese government has initiated various conservation and restoration efforts to safeguard the Yangtze River's ecological health. Measures include wastewater treatment, afforestation projects, and the establishment of nature reserves to protect endangered species and preserve critical habitats. Additionally, there is growing recognition of the importance of sustainable development and balancing economic growth with environmental protection.In conclusion, the Yangtze River holds immense significance as a cultural icon, economic engine, and ecological treasure. Its rich history, vibrant cities, and vital ecosystems underscore its importance not only to China but also to the global community. As stewards of this mighty river, it is imperative for us to cherish, preserve, and sustainably manage its resources for future generations. Only through collective efforts can we ensure that the Yangtze River continues to flow as a symbol of life and vitality for centuries to come.。
介绍长江英语作文The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang, is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world. It flows for 6,300 kilometers from its source in the Tibetan Plateau to its mouth at the East China Sea. The Yangtze River is not only a vital transportation route and a source of water for millions of people, but it also plays a crucial role in the cultural and economic development of China.The Yangtze River has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It has been a source of inspiration for poets, artists, and writers, who have celebrated its beauty and power in their works. The river has also been a witness to many important events in Chinese history, such as the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, which is the world's largest hydroelectric power station.One of the most famous attractions along the Yangtze River is the Three Gorges, which are a series of threestunning canyons that stretch for 120 kilometers. The Three Gorges are not only a breathtaking natural wonder, but they are also a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Chinese people, who have built a number ofhydroelectric power stations along the river to harness its energy.In addition to its natural beauty, the Yangtze River is also home to a rich diversity of plant and animal species. The river is home to the endangered Chinese river dolphin, as well as many other species of fish, birds, and mammals. However, the river is also facing environmental challenges, such as pollution and habitat destruction, which threaten the survival of these species.The Yangtze River is also a vital resource for the people who live along its banks. It provides water for irrigation, transportation, and industry, and it also supports a thriving fishing industry. In recent years, the Chinese government has made efforts to clean up the river and improve its water quality, in order to protect the health of the people and the environment.In conclusion, the Yangtze River is not only a natural wonder, but it is also a symbol of the rich history and culture of China. It has played a crucial role in the development of the country, and it continues to be a vital resource for the people who live along its banks. As we move into the future, it is important that we work together to protect and preserve this magnificent river for generations to come.。
长江的介绍英语作文The Yangtze River, often referred to as the Chang Jiang in Chinese, holds a significant place in both the geographical and cultural landscapes of China. Spanning over 6,300 kilometers, it is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. Here, I'll delve into an exploration of this majestic waterway.Geographical Significance:The Yangtze River originates from the Tibetan Plateau, the roof of the world, where its main stem, the Jinsha River, and several other tributaries converge. It then flows eastward across China, passing through a diverse range of landscapes, including towering mountains, sprawling plains, and bustling metropolises.One of the most remarkable features along the Yangtze's course is the Three Gorges: Qutang, Wuxia, and Xiling. These steep and narrow gorges not only showcase the river'snatural beauty but also present engineering challenges that were tackled with the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world.Cultural Heritage:The Yangtze River has been an integral part of Chinese culture for millennia. Its fertile banks have nurtured ancient civilizations, witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, and inspired poets and artists through the ages.Cities like Chongqing, Wuhan, and Shanghai, situated along the Yangtze, are vibrant centers of commerce, culture, and innovation. The river has served as a lifeline forthese urban hubs, facilitating trade and transportation,and shaping their identities.Ecological Importance:Beyond its cultural and economic significance, the Yangtze River basin is also a crucial ecological region,supporting a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The riveris home to iconic species such as the Chinese river dolphin (baiji) and the Chinese alligator, both of which are critically endangered.Efforts to preserve the ecological integrity of the Yangtze River basin have gained momentum in recent years, with initiatives aimed at habitat restoration, pollution control, and biodiversity conservation. These endeavors underscore the recognition of the river's ecological importance and the need for sustainable management practices.Economic Implications:The Yangtze River basin is an economic powerhouse, contributing significantly to China's GDP and serving as a key transportation corridor. Its navigable watersfacilitate the movement of goods and materials, linking inland regions to coastal ports and international markets.Moreover, the hydropower potential of the Yangtze Riverhas been harnessed for electricity generation, supporting China's growing energy needs and reducing reliance onfossil fuels.Conclusion:In conclusion, the Yangtze River is more than just a geographical feature; it is a symbol of China's rich history, cultural heritage, and ecological diversity. From its source in the Tibetan Plateau to its vast delta near Shanghai, the Yangtze River continues to shape the land and the lives of the people who inhabit its banks. As China embraces the challenges of the 21st century, the sustainable management and conservation of this mightyriver will remain imperative for the well-being of future generations.。
Yangtze River Basin in BriefThe Yangtze River, traversing the West, Middle and East China, is the largest river in the country and the third largest in the world. It occupies the most important strategic position for allocation of water resources to support eco-social sustainable development in China.1. Natural StatusThe mainstrean of the Yangtze River originated from the southwestern side of the snow-Capped Mountain of the Geladandong—the main peak of Tanggula Mountains on the Qinghai and Tibet Plateau, passing through China’s 11 provinces (or autonomous regions or the municipalities directly under the Central Government), including Qinghai, Tibet, Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui and Jiangsu, and finally enters into the East China Sea in Shanghai, with a total length of more than 6300 km and total fall head of more than 5400 m. Its tributaries extended 8 provinces and autonomous regions including Gansu, Sanxi, Henan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian and Zhejiang. The Yangtze basin involves a catchment area of 1.8 million km2, accounting for 18.75% of China’s total.The Yangtze River has its source stream from the Tuotuo River, after converging with the south source Dangqu River it is called Tongtian River, and then it is named Jinsha River after merging with the north source Chumar River and joined by Batang River at Yushu, and finally it is named the Yangtze River after joined by Minjiang River at Yibin in Sichuang Province. For the Yangtze River, the reach between Yibin and Yichang is called Chuanjiang River; the reach between Zhicheng and Chenglingji is called Jingjiang River.With a large water system and numerous tributaries and lakes, the Yangtze River Basin possesses 8 main tributaries with a catchment area of more than 80000 km2, including Yalong River, Minjiang River, Jialing River, Wujiang River, Yuanjiang River, Xiangjiang River, Hanjiang River and Ganjiang River, among them Jialing River is the biggest in terms of area, Minjiang River is the largest in terms of discharge, and Hanjiang River is the longest (Table 1). In addition, there are 4 large fresh water lakes, namely Dongting Lake, Poyang Lake, Chaohu Lake and Taihu Lake in the Yangtze basin, of which Poyang Lake is the biggest in China (Table 2).Table 1 The main tributaries of the Yangtze RiverName of Tributary Catchment Area（104 km2）Mean AnnualDischarge（m3/s）Length（km）Yalong River12.819141535 Minjiang River13.32850735 Jialing River16.021201120 Wujiang River8.816901037 Xiangjiang River9.342070856Yuanjiang River8.820701033 Hanjiang River15.916401577 Ganjiang River8.352130819Table 2 Main Lakes in the Yangtze BasinName of Lake ProvinceElevation(Wusong Datum/m）Area（km2）Volume（billionm3）AverageDepth（m）Poyang Lake Jiangxi22375029.577.41 DongtingLakeHunan33.5262516.7 6.37 Taihu Lake Jiangsu 3.12338 4.43 2.08 Chaohu Lake Anhui10770 2.07 6.17 The section upstream of Yichang is known as the upper reaches with a length of 4500 km and a catchment area of 1,000,000 km2. From Yichang to Hukou, the river enters into the middle reach with a length of 950 km and a catchment area of 680,000 km2. The section downstream from Hukou to the estuary is the lower reach with a length of 930 km and a catchment area of 120,000 km2. The upper Yangtze runs through Alps-Ravines with steep slope and rapid flow except in a small section of the source area, the total water head reaches 5100 m, accounting for 95% of the total of the River. The reach from the mouth of Batang River to Yibin is 2300m long with an average slope of 1.37‰; the Tiger-leaping Gorge in downstream of Shigu of Jinsha River is a world famous peculiar gorge, with a length of 17 km, a water head of 170 m, a gorge depth of 2500~3000 m, and a river width of only 30 m in the narrowest part. The reach from Yibin to Chongqing is 370 km long with an average slope of 0.27‰; the reach between Chongqing and Yichang is 660 km long with an average slope of 0.18‰, of which the 192 km reach from Fengjie to Yichang is the famous "Three Gorges" (Qutang Gorge, Wuxia Gorge and Xiling Gorge). Downstream from Yichang, the river flows into the middle-lower alluvial plain with flat topography on both banks, and with an average slope of 0.03‰ between Yichang and Hukou and 0.007‰ for the reach from Hukou to the estuary, of which the part of about 600 km long downstream from Datong in Anhui province belongs to tide influenced reach.For the terrain of the Yangtze River basin, it is high in west and low in east through China’s three major topographic cascades. The first cascade is composed of the Southern Qinghai Plateau, the Western Sichuan Plateau and the Hengduan mountainous region, with an average elevation of 3500~5000 m. The second cascade is composed of Qinba mountainous region, Sichuan Basin, Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the mountainous regions of Hubei and Guizhou provinces, with an average elevation of 500~2000m. The third cascade is composed of Huaiyang mountainous region, the hills in the southern area and the Middle-Lower Yangtze Plain, with an average elevation of less than 500m. The terrain of the Yangtze River Basin is complicated, consisting of 84.7% of mountain and hilly land, 11.3% of plain region, and 4% of water surface.Most of the Yangtze River Basin is situated in the middle-latitude subtropical region with monsoon climate and abundant rainfall. The mean annual precipitation is about 1100 mm, the total volume of water resources is 996 billion m 3 accounting for 35.1% of the total in China.. The basin has a theoretical hydropower potential of 277810MW (2433.6 TWh/year), accounting for about 40% of nation’s total; a technically feasible potential of 256270 MW (1187.9 TWh/year), and an economically feasible potential of 228320 MW (1049.8 TWh/year), accounting for 48% and 60% of the nation’s total respectively. 90% of the hydro-energy resources in the Yangtze Basin are concentrated in the upper basin and will mainly be exploited by building large-scale hydropower stations (73% of the total), including 52 large hydropower stations with an installed capacity of more than 1000 MW each, and the largest one ---the Three Gorges Hydropower Station reaches 22400 MW (90 TWh/year). There are 3600 navigable channels in the Yangtze basin, mainly distributed in the middle and lower basin with the inland waterway mileage of 66386 km, accounting for 49.1% of nation’s total. After completion of the Three Gorges Project (TGP), 10000-ton towboats will be able to pass through right up to Chongqing portThe Yangtze basin is rich in aquatic biodiversity, according to investigation, there are more than 370 fish species, of which one third are endemic species, the output of the main commercial fish – “Four family fishes” (Chinese carps) account for 60% of the nation’s total. The Yangtze is also the home of some rare species, of which Chinese river dolphin ( Baiji ) ,Chinese paddlefish, Chinese sturgeon and Yangtze sturgeon are in Class I , while Chinese finless porpoise and Chinese sucker are in Class II on the list of the nation protected species. . In recent years, as a result of increasing human activity, some species are in danger of extinction ，the biodiversity has been showing a declining trend in the basin.The mean annual content of suspended sediment in the Yangtze water is less than 1kg/m 3, however, due to the huge runoff, annually more than 486 Mt of sediments are discharged into the sea. In recent years, due to the effect of reservoir formation and soil & water conservation measures implemented the SS content in the Yangtze water and sediment discharge have been reduced significantly (see Table 3).Table 3 Sediment in the Yangtze RiverSediment content (kg/m 3)Annual averagesediment discharge (Mt)Hydrological Station Catchment area （km 2）1956~1979 1980~2000 1956~1979 1980~2000Yichang 10055011.17 1.10514486Hankou 14880360.620.52426375Datong17053830.550.48470.17430.422 Natural Disasters and Ecology and EnvironmentThe Yangtze Basin is one of the most serious regions suffering flood disasters in China, where rainfalls are concentrated and floods and water-loggings often occur in flood season, especially in the Middle and Lower Yangtze Plain. According to historical records, in last 2000 years from Western Han Dynasty to the late Qing Dynasty （206 B.C. to 1911 A.C.）, there were 214 flooddisasters, once every 10 years on average. In 20th century, the floods in 1931, 1935, 1954 and 1998 were the heaviest ones causing severe damage and losses. Moreover, droughts often occur in Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Sichuan valley and hilly areas in the middle and lower basin.Due to the huge quantity and good quality, the Yangtze River has been an excellent water source for industrial, agricultural and domestic uses, besides, it is also excellent habitats for aquatic biota. However, along with the population increase and rapid economic growth, the amount of sewage and wastewaters discharged into the Yangtze has been increasing significantly in recent decades, in 2005 the sewage drainage reached 29.64billion tons, of which 20.4billion tons are industrial wastewaters and 9.24 billion tons are domestic sewages, as a result, water quality of the Yangtze has been deteriorating. The main pollutants are NH3-N and organic matters. In general, the water quality in the tributaries is worse than that in the main stream, the water quality in lower reaches is worse than that in the upper reaches, the water quality near riversides is worse than that in the middle stream, and the water quality in city reaches is worse than that in non-city reaches. The eutrophication of lakes in the basin is very common and Taihu Lake, Dian Lake and Chaohu Lake have been listed by the nation as the key lakes to be harnessed.According to water quality assessment carried out in 2005 on the 30000 km of river reaches in the Yangtze basin, the ratio of polluted river sections reached 27.4%, 8.5% increase compared with that in 1998, and the ratio of polluted water body in provincial boundary exceeded 40%. According to an investigation in 2002, the total near-shore pollution belt length in 21 main city sections reached 655 km, 90 km increase compared with that in 1992. For the 2608 water function zones in the basin, about 25% of them the pollution load has exceeded the permissible assimilative capacity.The upper region of the Yangtze River is one of the regions suffering the most serious soil and water losses. According to the investigation in 1990, the erosion area reached 62.2×104km2, accounting for 34.6% of the basin’s total, which are mainly distributed in the upper and middle basin, especially in the upper reaches.The Yangtze Basin is the main areas infected by schistosomiasis epidemic in China, although it was once effectively controlled in 1960’s, however, it has come back again in recent years. According to the statistics in 2003, it prevailed in 110 counties in the basin including Yunnan, Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui and Jiangsu provinces with the snail distribution area of 3.79billion m2.3 Socio-economical StatusThe Yangtze River Basin involves 19 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), among them, 95% of the territory of Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi and Shanghai are within the scope of the basin; and 65% for Guizhou, 35~50% for Shanxi, Anhui and Jiangsu; while for the rest provinces, less than 35% of the territory are within the basin scope.There are more than 30 nationalities living in the Yangtze Basin, among them, the Han nationalityaccounts for more than 95%; the rests are Hui, Miao, Tibetan, Zhuang, Dong, Yi, Tujia and Naxi, etc. mainly inhabiting in the upper Yangtze basin. In 2005, the inhabitants living in the basin reached 429 million, accounting for 32.8% of the China’s total, with a mean density of 238 persons/ km2, 1.8 times of nation’s average.The Yangtze Basin is mild in climate and fertile in land, and also rich in mineral resources, of which the reserve of 30 minerals exceeds 50% of China’s total; the reserve of Ti V Hg and P account for above 80~90%, and Fe, Pb, Zn, Mo, Au and Ag,etc. account for more than 30% of the nation’s total reserve.The Yangtze Basin is famous in tourism resources with many unique natural landscapes and cultural relics, including the famous Yangtze Three Gorges, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Huangshan Mountain, Lushan Mountain, Jiuhua Mountain, Emei Mountain, Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie, etc. Since Tang Dynasty, the Yangtze Basin has been the economic center and the birthplace of China's modern industry. In recent years, taking Shanghai and Nanjing as the lower Yangtze center, Wuhan as the middle Yangtze center, and Chongqing, and Chengdu as the upper Yangtze center, three major economic zones have been formed in the Yangtze basin. In 2005, the GDP of the Yangtze Basin reached5996.7 billion CNY, accounting for 32.8% of nation’s total. However, presently the economic development in the basin is imbalanced, generally developed in the Delta region and relatively backward in the upper basin.4 Harnessing and DevelopmentSince 1950’s, great achievements have been made in the development and protection of the Yangtze River. Since 1950’s, the Comprehensive Utilization Planning of the Yangtze Basin was compiled by CWRC and approved by the State Council in 1990. 3600 km of embankment along the mainstream (such as Jingjiang Grand Dike) and more than 60,000 km long branch levees in the middle and lower basins have been built and strengthened; the flood diversion and detention areas, such as Jingjiang Flood Detention Area and Dujiatai works, have been constructed, with the flood storage capacity of more than 50 billion m3. After the 1998 heavy floods, the Chinese government invested a huge amount of money to reinforce the trunk dykes along the Yangtze mainstream. Currently, there are about 48,000 reservoirs of different scales in the basin with a total storage capacity of about 160 billion m3. In addition, the effective irrigation has reached 62% of the farmland area in the basin. Up to now, more than 2,440 hydropower stations of various scales have been constructed or under construction in the basin, with a total installed capacity of 69,730 MW and an annual power output of 292.5 TWh, of which 9 stations have a installed capacity exceeding 1000 MW. The Three Gorges Project (TGP) has tremendous benefits in flood control, after completion, it will greatly improve the flood control situations in the middle Yangtze in joint operation with dikes, flood diversion and detention areas and reservoirs. The South-to-North Water Diversion Project (East and Middle routes) is a strategic water project to easy the water shortage in north China, which have been started in 2004 and 2005 and the 1st phase of the project will be completed in 2010. In the Yangtze estuary, the projects to comprehensively harness the estuary and the navigation channel have been underway. Since the beginning of the 21 th century, the protection of ecology and environment of the Yangtze Basin has attracted greatattention and been taken as one of the primary goals in revising the comprehensive planning of the Yangtze basin。
