From the wild windswept snowfields of its source on the Tibetan Plateau, to the rich farmlands of its delta on the East China Sea, the mighty Yangzi has always had symbolic and practical significance for the Chinese people. They refer to it simply as the Chang Jiang, or Long River. Stretching for 6,380 kilometers, the third longest river in the world, the Yangzi is China's main artery; supporting a third of its people; it also serves as the country's primary commercial waterway.
The old Wade-Giles transliteration system spelled the name Yang-tze K'iang, which is still used sometimes today. An alternative phonetic system used the spelling Yang-tse. In this edition, we continue to use the currently accepted pinyin romanization, Yangzi.
This is the first guide to cover the entire river from its source to its delta. Illustrated by exceptional color photography and informative maps and diagrams, it is an essential companion for anyone with an interest in China's Long River.
- The Physical Characteristics of the Yanzi River
- Stage 1 The Upper Reaches: The Source to Yibin
- Stage 2 The Sichuan Basin and The Three Gorges: Yibin to Yichang
- Stage 3 The Middle Basin: Yichang to Ma'ashan
- Stage 4 The Coastal Delta Region: Ma'anshan to Shanghai