Geography: Rivers

Yangtze River

Yellow River

China, a vast and geographically diverse nation, boasts an extensive network of rivers that are deeply intertwined with its history, culture, and economy. These rivers flow through varied landscapes, from mountainous regions to fertile plains and bustling urban centers. They are the lifelines of China, playing a crucial role in agriculture, which has been the backbone of the country's economy for millennia. These waterways also support immense biodiversity and are key to many industrial and transportation networks. Beyond their economic importance, Chinese rivers hold profound cultural and historical significance, featuring prominently in literature, art, and ancient traditions. The table below provides a detailed overview of the major rivers in China, highlighting their lengths, sources, and outflows.

River Name	Length*	Source	Outflow
Yangtze River	6,300 km (3,917 mi)	Tanggula Mountains	East China Sea
Yellow River	5,464 km (3,395 mi)	Bayan Har Mountains	Bohai Sea
Lancang River (Mekong River)	4,350 km (2,700 mi)	Lasaigongma Spring, Mt. Guozongmucha, Zadoi, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture	South China Sea, Vietnam
Yarlung Tsangpo River	2,900 km (1,801 mi)	Angsi Glacier	Brahmaputra River
Heilong (Amur) River	2,824 km (1,754 mi)	Tangnu Mountains	Strait of Tartary
Yenisei River	5,539 km (3,445 mi)	Khangai Mountains	Kara Sea
Brahmaputra River	2,900 km (1,801 mi)	Angsi Glacier	Ganges River
Indus River	3,180 km (1,975 mi)	Tibetan Plateau	Arabian Sea
Salween River	2,815 km (1,749 mi)	Tanggula Mountains	Andaman Sea
Ob River	3,650 km (2,268 mi)	Altai Mountains	Kara Sea

*Sources do not differentiate between the length of river that exists within the country’s borders and the overall length of the river irrespective of national borders.