Background Information
The Yellow River was very significant during ancient time periods. The Yellow River is approximately 4,000 miles long. This makes it the second largest river in China (after the Yangtze), and the sixth longest river in the world! It is known as “The Cradle of Chinese Civilization.” Some of China’s earliest civilizations developed along the Yellow River. This is because the Yellow River was a reliable water source which provided the needs for irrigation systems for crops. It was the most prosperous region in early Chinese history. The Zhou dynasty stands out as a strong civilization that emerged along the Yellow River.
Other Aliases
Many people call this river the Yellow River. However, that name is derived from the Chinese characters 黄河 (Huánghé). The reason why the Yellow River has its name is because of the yellow wind-borne clay dust called loess. This loess is in the river and gives the river a yellow appearance. The Yellow River (or the Huang He River) is also known as the River of Sorrows. This is because during earlier periods, the river would often flood. These floods were devastating to civilizations and dynasties like the Zhou dynasty because it was the cause of many deaths.
China’s Industrial Impact on The Yellow River
Unfortunately, the Yellow River has become so polluted in some reaches that it is unfit for agricultural and industrial use. This is because of the increase in factory discharges. Thankfully, the government is taking measures to deal with the polluted Yellow River issue. The discharges will now be controlled.
Works Cited
https://www.britannica.com/place/Huang-He
Interesting article! I have always heard about the Yellow River, especially during global I, but I didn’t know that it has been polluted. Although the Yellow River caused many deaths, it is still a big part of Chinese history and I’m thankful the government is doing something to save it.