• Click "Download Now" image upwards.
• Here is the link Ancient china map geography if the image doesnt shows
• Then, after you click the image you'll go to the 100% protected site where your download will start shortly
• The small window should appear. Click RUN, and thats all. Just follow the instructions of the installer.

Geography History for Kids >> Ancient ChinaThe geography of Ancient China shaped the way the civilization and culture developed. The large land was isolated from much of the rest of the world by dry deserts to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and impassable mountains to the south.

This enabled the Chinese to develop independently from other world civilizations. Map showing the geography of China from cia.gov(click map to see larger picture)RiversPerhaps the two most important geographical features of Ancient China were the two major rivers that flowed through central China: the Yellow River to the north and the Yangtze River to the south.

These major rivers were a great source of fresh water, food, fertile soil, and transportation. They also were the subjects of Chinese poetry, art, literature, and folklore.Yellow RiverThe Yellow River is often called the "cradle of Chinese civilization". It was along the banks of the Yellow river where the Chinese civilization first formed. The Yellow River is 3,395 miles long making it the sixth longest river in the world.

It is also called the Huang He River.Early Chinese farmers built small villages along the Yellow River. The rich yellow colored soil was good for growing a grain called millet. The farmers of this area also raised sheep and cattle.Yangtze RiverThe Yangtze River is south of the Yellow River and flows in the same direction (west to east). It is 3,988 miles long and is the third longest river in the world.

Just like the Yellow River, the Yangtze played an important role in the development of the culture and civilization of Ancient China.Farmers that lived along the Yangtze River took advantage of the warm climate and rainy weather to grow rice.

Eventually the land along the Yangtze became some of the most important and wealthy land in all of Ancient China.The Yangtze also served as a boundary between northern and southern China.

It is very wide and difficult to cross. The famous Battle of Red Cliffs took place along the river.MountainsTo the south and southeast of China are the Himalaya Mountains.

These are the highest mountains in the world. They provided a nearly impassable border for Ancient China, keeping the area isolated from many other civilizations. They were also important to Chinese religion and were considered sacred.DesertsTo the north and west of Ancient China were two of the world's largest deserts: the Gobi Desert and the Taklamakan Desert.

These deserts also provided borders that kept the Chinese isolated from the rest of the world. The Mongols, however, lived in the Gobi Desert and were constantly raiding cities of northern China. This is why the Great Wall of China was built to protect the Chinese from these northern invaders.Interesting Facts about the Geography of Ancient China� Today the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River serves as the world's largest hydro-electric power source.� The Yellow River also has the name "China's Sorrow" because of the terrible floods that have occurred throughout history when its banks overflowed.� The Taklamakan Desert has the nickname of the "Sea of Death" because of its temperature extremes and poisonous snakes.� Much of the Silk Road traveled along the deserts to the north and west of China.� The religion of Buddhism is closely associated with the Himalaya Mountains.Take a ten question quiz on the Geography of Ancient China questions page.For more information on the civilization of Ancient China:OverviewTimeline of Ancient ChinaGeography of Ancient ChinaSilk RoadThe Great WallForbidden CityTerracotta ArmyThe Grand CanalBattle of Red CliffsOpium WarsInventions of Ancient ChinaGlossary and TermsDynastiesMajor DynastiesXia DynastyShang DynastyZhou DynastyHan DynastyPeriod of DisunionSui DynastyTang DynastySong DyanastyYuan DynastyMing DynastyQing DynastyCultureDaily Life in Ancient ChinaReligionMythologyNumbers and ColorsLegend of SilkChinese CalendarFestivalsCivil ServiceChinese ArtClothingEntertainment and GamesLiteraturePeopleConfuciusKangxi EmperorGenghis KhanKublai KhanMarco PoloPuyi (The Last Emperor)Emperor QinEmperor TaizongSun TzuEmpress WuZheng HeEmperors of ChinaWorks CitedBack to Ancient China for KidsBack to History for Kids HomeworkAnimalsMathHistoryBiographyMoney and FinanceBiographyArtistsCivil Rights LeadersEntrepreneursExplorersInventors and ScientistsWomen LeadersWorld LeadersUS PresidentsUS HistoryNative AmericansColonial AmericaAmerican RevolutionIndustrial RevolutionAmerican Civil WarWestward ExpansionThe Great DepressionCivil Rights MovementPre-1900s1900 to PresentUS GovernmentUS State HistoryScienceBiologyChemistryEarth SciencePhysicsWorld HistoryAncient AfricaAncient ChinaAncient EgyptAncient GreeceAncient MesopotamiaAncient RomeMiddle AgesIslamic EmpireRenaissanceAztec, Maya, IncaFrench RevolutionWorld War 1World War 2Cold WarArt HistoryGeographyUnited StatesAfricaAsiaCentral AmericaEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaOceaniaSouth AmericaSoutheast AsiaFun StuffEducaGeography History for Kids >> Ancient ChinaThe geography of Ancient China shaped the way the civilization and culture developed.

The large land was isolated from much of the rest of the world by dry deserts to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and impassable mountains to the south. This enabled the Chinese to develop independently from other world civilizations. Map showing the geography of China from cia.gov(click map to see larger picture)RiversPerhaps the two most important geographical features of Ancient China were the two major rivers that flowed through central China: the Yellow River to the north and the Yangtze River to the south.

These major rivers were a great source of fresh water, food, fertile soil, and transportation. They also were the subjects of Chinese poetry, art, literature, and folklore.Yellow RiverThe Yellow River is often called the "cradle of Chinese civilization".

It was along the banks of the Yellow river where the Chinese civilization first formed. The Yellow River is 3,395 miles long making it the sixth longest river in the world. It is also called the Huang He River.Early Chinese farmers built small villages along the Yellow River.

The rich yellow colored soil was good for growing a grain called millet. The farmers of this area also raised sheep and cattle.Yangtze RiverThe Yangtze River is south of the Yellow River and flows in the same direction (west to east).

It is 3,988 miles long and is the third longest river in the world. Just like the Yellow River, the Yangtze played an important role in the development of the culture and civilization of Ancient China.Farmers that lived along the Yangtze River took advantage of the warm climate and rainy weather to grow rice. Eventually the land along the Yangtze became some of the most important and wealthy land in all of Ancient China.The Yangtze also served as a boundary between northern and ancient china map geography China.

It is very wide and difficult to cross. The famous Battle of Red Cliffs took place along the river.MountainsTo the south and southeast of China are the Himalaya Mountains. These are the highest mountains in the world. They provided a nearly impassable border for Ancient China, keeping the area isolated from many other civilizations.

They were also important to Chinese religion and were considered sacred.DesertsTo the north and west of Ancient China were two of the world's largest deserts: the Gobi Desert and the Taklamakan Desert. These deserts also provided borders that kept the Chinese isolated from the rest of the world.

The Mongols, however, lived in the Gobi Desert and were constantly raiding cities of northern China. This is why the Great Wall of China was built to protect the Chinese from these northern invaders.Interesting Facts about the Geography of Ancient China� Today the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River serves as the world's largest hydro-electric power source.� The Yellow River also has the name "China's Sorrow" because of the terrible floods that have occurred throughout history when its banks overflowed.� The Taklamakan Desert has the nickname of the "Sea of Death" because of its temperature extremes and poisonous snakes.� Much of the Silk Road traveled along the deserts to the north and west of China.� The religion of Buddhism is closely associated with the Himalaya Mountains.Take a ten question quiz on the Geography of Ancient China questions page.For more information on the civilization of Ancient China:OverviewTimeline of Ancient ChinaGeography of Ancient ChinaSilk RoadThe Great WallForbidden CityTerracotta ArmyThe Grand CanalBattle of Red CliffsOpium WarsInventions of Ancient ChinaGlossary and TermsDynastiesMajor DynastiesXia DynastyShang DynastyZhou DynastyHan DynastyPeriod of DisunionSui DynastyTang DynastySong DyanastyYuan DynastyMing DynastyQing DynastyCultureDaily Life in Ancient ChinaReligionMythologyNumbers and ColorsLegend of SilkChinese CalendarFestivalsCivil ServiceChinese ArtClothingEntertainment and GamesLiteraturePeopleConfuciusKangxi EmperorGenghis KhanKublai KhanMarco PoloPuyi (The Last Emperor)Emperor QinEmperor TaizongSun TzuEmpress WuZheng HeEmperors of ChinaWorks CitedBack to Ancient China for KidsBack to History for Kids HomeworkAnimalsMathHistoryBiographyMoney and FinanceBiographyArtistsCivil Rights LeadersEntrepreneursExplorersInventors and ScientistsWomen LeadersWorld LeadersUS PresidentsUS HistoryNative AmericansColonial AmericaAmerican RevolutionIndustrial RevolutionAmerican Civil WarWestward ExpansionThe Great DepressionCivil Rights MovementPre-1900s1900 to PresentUS GovernmentUS State HistoryScienceBiologyChemistryEarth SciencePhysicsWorld HistoryAncient AfricaAncient ChinaAncient EgyptAncient GreeceAncient MesopotamiaAncient RomeMiddle AgesIslamic EmpireRenaissanceAztec, Maya, IncaFrench RevolutionWorld War 1World War 2Cold WarArt HistoryGeographyUnited StatesAfricaAsiaCentral AmericaEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaOceaniaSouth AmericaSoutheast AsiaFun StuffEduca� Privacy and Cookie Policy� Ancient HistoryIndex� Archaeology� Early Humans� Mesopotamia� Egypt� Greece� Rome� China� India� Celts� Myths� Gods� Games� Quizzes� 7 Wonders� 3Teachings� Lessons�Free Powerpoints� VideoClips� Ancient Clipart� World HistoryIndex� Incas� Mayas� Aztecs� African Kingdoms� Vikings� Middle Ages� Pirates� Explorers� Quizzes�American HistoryIndex� Native Americans� New World Explorers� 13 Colonies� Revolutionary War� Civil War�Geography� Government� Powerpoints� Games� Free Clipart� More!

MainIndex� FAQ, About Us The early Chinese people knew there were other tribes of people to the north. But they did not know there were other ancient civilizations in other parts of the world. The Chinese were isolated by their many natural barriers.To the east and south, China borders two seas - the China Sea and the Yellow Sea.

Although these bodies of water provided food and water routes for trade, both seas are located in the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Ocean is a pretty ancient china map geography place, and few of the early Chinese mariners attempted to explore the Pacific in the early days of China's development. A huge mountain range called the Himalayan mountains ran along China's border.

China also borders two of the world's most dangerous deserts.You can see why China was isolated for so many years from the rest of the ancient world!Geography (Story and Game)MountainsDesertsRiversYangtze River (video)Timelines and MapsInteractive Quiz for AncientChina (with answers) Physical Map of China: Tibetan Plateau, Himalaya Mountains, Gobi and Taklamakan Deserts, Yellow, Yangtze, Pearl RiversChina's Geography and landscape is extremely varied, with a wide range of weather and climate as well. Along the coast concentrate the main cities and ports.In the North and West are mountains and deserts.The South is crowded with jungles and tropicallowlands whereas the South-West is home to the harsher Tibetan Plateau.The majority of the people live in the milder coastal areas and along the rivers.

These areas are booming modern economic and industrial zones which arein high contrast to the poorer areas as you travel inland.China Mountains and PlateausChina RiversChina DesertsChina Mountains and Plateaus Himalaya Mountain Range and Mt. EverestThe Tibetan Plateau is the world's largest and highest plateau.

It leads to the Himalaya mountains,which are at the China-Nepal borderand are home to the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, the highest at 8,850 meters or 29,029 ft above sea level.The Tibetan Plateau, is also known as the "Roof of the World" and is home to the Autonomous Region of Tibet.Because of the high altitudes and harsh cold temperatures in the winter that can drop to -40 F, these areas are some of the least populous in the world.Southern China is also home to some extraordinary mountain scenery.

The unusual formations and landscapes haveinspired Chinese painters and artists since ancient times and these mountains are some of China's major tourist attractions. These are some of them:Karst Mountains inGuilin/YangshuoHuang Shan orYellow MountainZhang Jia JieThe Avatar Mountains?China Rivers The Yellow River BasinFlowing out of the Tibetan Plateau are two of China's longest rivers, the Yangtze and the Yellow River.

They cut accross China as they continuetowards the coast through the more densely populated areas.The Yangtze River is the longest in China and third in the world after the Nile and the Amazon. This is one of China's most important waterway and isthe site of the Three Gorges Dam, the top producer of hydroelectricity in the world. To give you an idea, it has over 16 times the powergenerating capacity of the Hoover Dam.The Yangtze River is also a major source of tourism for the area, Yangtze River cruises are quite popular for the jaw-droppingscenery of the Yangtze River Gorges.The Yellow River is China's second longest, and it flows through the North China Plain, known as the cradle ofancient China, as this area was the most prosperous at the time, it is believed that the Chinese civilization originatedin the Yellow River Basin.The Pearl River, the third longest, is actually a system of several rivers and tributaries that share a common delta, the Pearl River Delta.The Pearl River Delta is famous for the special economic zones that have been set up along the estuary and are responsiblefor the rapid development of China's economy. Taklamakan DesertAbout 20% of China's land is desert land.

The largest deserts in China are the Gobi Desert and the Taklamakan Desert, in the north-west of the country wheresand dunes and rocky landscape extends in all directions for as long as you can see.These areas are sparsely populated due to their arid environment and harsh winter climate. China Geography| Where is China? | What borders China? | China's Main Cities || China Rivers | China Mountains and Plateaus | China Deserts || China Climate | China Wildlife and Nature | Physical Map of China |China People and Life| People of China | Life in China: The Local Market | Life in China: Family Life || Education in China | China Geography| Where is China?

| What borders China? || China's Main Cities | China Rivers || China Mountains and Plateaus | China Deserts || China Climate | China Wildlife and Nature || Physical Map of China |China People and Life| People of China | Life in China: The Local Market || Life in China: Family Life || Education in China | Great Reads for Kids Learn more about China, China's Culture and HistoryAncient China (DK Eyewitness Books)$13.89The First Emperor, the Silk Road, the teachings of Confucious, and more.China (DK Eyewitness Books)$14.04Language, family life, festivals, religion, food.Here are some more of our favorite China Books and Resources for Children. "Must Do" China AdventuresBy ViatorLi River Cruise Full Day Tour of Guilin and YangshuoUS$108.99Beijing Essential Full-Day Tour including Great Wall at Badaling, Forbidden City and Tiananmen SquareUS$86.99Beijing Old Hutongs Tour by RickshawUS$54.99Great Wall of China at Mutianyu Full Day Tour including Lunch from BeijingUS$64.99Terracotta Warriors Essential Full Day Tour from Xi'anUS$108.99Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village Day Trip from ShanghaiUS$134.99Eat Like A Local: Shanghai Street Food Night TourUS$64.99 People and LifePeople of ChinaMegacities vs.

the Village: from high-rises to yurtsThe Local Market, an essential part of Chinese LifeFamily Life in ChinaEducation in ChinaAbout CSearch Options�� Any size� Large� Medium� Icon�� Any color� Full color� Black and white� Transparent�� Any type� Face� Photo� Clip art� Line drawing� Animated�� Any time� Past 24 hours� Past week�� Not filtered by license� Labeled for reuse with modification� Labeled for reuse� Labeled for noncommercial reuse with modification� Labeled for noncommercial reuseReset tools ducksters.comMap showing the geography of .336 ? 261 - 36k�-�jpgtes.com6LK Humanities & HomeBase - .4943 ? 3377 - 1852k�-�jpgmisscollishawsocialstu.external image map.gif800 ? 604 - 272k�-�giftes.comAncient China: Geography's .2250 ? 1447 - 2272k�-�jpgeducation.asianart.orgMap of China508 ? 393 - 29k�-�jpgtes.comtwsanborn - 2011 Ancient China ancient china map geography ? 373 - 44k�-�gifposter.4teachers.orgAncient China Map479 ? 455 - 71k�-�jpgpicturetip.comGeography | government .564 ? 361 - 75k�-�jpgtravelchinaguide.comChina Geography Map597 ? 568 - 92k�-�jpgyourchildlearns.comChina - History and Geography375 ? 308 - 37k�-�pngtes.comGlobal @ SLJ - nyimaclarissa391 ? 315 - 35k�-�jpgworldatlas.comMap of China483 ? 390 - 59k�-�gifafe.easia.columbia.eduGeneral Map of China1078 ? 1066 - 285k�-�jpgscoop.itGeography: Here is an .300 ? 292 - 36kwseworldhistory.weebly.The physical map of China .629 ? 448 - 120k�-�jpgrkgregory.cmswiki.wiki.China- Map-Dynastys.jpg706 ? 486 - 80k�-�jpgtheeducatorscloud-publ.china 1.jpg507 ? 482 - 53k�-�jpgsites.saschina.orgAncient China Geography .824 ? 621 - 1041k�-�pngancientchinakc.blogspo.For instance, this map happens .550 ? 413 - 88k�-�giftes.comChina - Chapter 4 - 2014 .1650 ? 1284 - 975k�-�png Searches related to ancient china map geographyancient china map with rivers and mountainsancient china map with dynastiesancient china physical mapancient china map worksheetancient china map for kidsancient china map silk road The People's Republic of China is the world's fourth largest country (by total area), and one of only five remaining Communist states in the world.

It has a population of 1,349,585,838 and gained its independence in 1368.As with the ancient Roman and Egyptian empires, China led most of the world in the arts and sciences for hundreds of years. Pre-history began with civilizations that originated in numerous regions along the Yellow River and Yangtze River valleys over a million years ago.By 2100 BC the Xia Dynasty had formed, becoming China's first dynasty - according to ancient historical records.

Little is known about the Xias apart from their eventual downfall in 1600 BC, as a consequence of the Battle of Mingtiao.Following the Xias, the Shang Dynasty rose to power, and then were ultimately overrun by the Zhou Dynasty in 1066 BC. Emerging from the Yellow River valley, the Zhous were the longest-lasting dynasty in China, establishing their rule under a semi-feudal system.The use of iron and the evolution of written script into its modern form were both introduced during the Zhou Dynasty.Significant and influential intellectual movements emerged during this time as well, including Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism and Mohism, and the Hundred Schools of Thought of Chinese philosophy flourished.Around the second millennium BC, the Zhou Dynasty began to decline as a result of the collapse of the central power, and completely dissolved by 256 BC.Imperial China surfaced with the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC, and the construction of the Great Wall of China began - which was later enhanced by the Ming Dynasty.

With the Qins, the concept of a more centralized government and a currency system were developed. After the Qins, smaller dynasties quickly rose to power and collapsed only decades later for the next several centuries. At the emergence of the Song, Liao and Jin dynasties 960 through 1234 AD China saw an age of economic prosperity.Following a particularly bloody war, in which roughly half of the Chinese inhabitants lost their lives, Mongol leader Kublai Khan (grandson of Genghis Khan) established the Yuan Dynasty in 1271.The Yuan Dynasty became the first to govern the entirety of China with Beijing as the capital.

Science, religion and the Silk Road trade network were heavily promoted under the ruling of Kublai Trending on WorldAtlas�The Richest Countries In The World�Most Dangerous Cities In The United States�Most Dangerous Cities in the World�The 10 Smallest Countries In The World�The 25 Safest Countries In The World�29 Most Obese Countries In The World China provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions & their capitals RegionCapitalAnhuiHefeiBeijingBeijingChongqingChongqingFujianFuzhouGansuLanzhouGuangdongGuangzhouGuangxiNanningGuizhouGuiyangHainanHaikouHebeiShijiazhuangHeilongjiangHarbinHenanZhengzhouHubeiWuhanHunanChangshaInner MongoliaHohhotJiangsuNanjingJiangxiNanchangJilinChangchunLiaoningShenyangNingxiaYinchuanQinghaiXiningShaanxiXi'anShandongJinanShanghaiShanghaiShanxiTaiyuanSichuanChengduTianjinTianjinXinjiangUrumqiXizang (Tibet Autonomous Region)LhasaYunnanKunmingZhejiangHangzhouCountries of Asia� Afghanistan |� Bahrain |� Bangladesh |� Bhutan |� Brunei |� Burma (Myanmar) |� Cambodia |� China |� East Timor |� Hong Kong (territory) |� India |� Indonesia |� Iran |� Iraq |� Israel |� Japan |� Jordan |� Kazakhstan |� Kuwait |� Kyrgyzstan |� Laos |� Lebanon |� Macau (territory) |� Malaysia |� Maldives |� Mongolia |� Nepal |� North Korea |� Oman |� Pakistan |� Palestinian (territories) |� Philippines |� Qatar |� Russia |� Saudi Arabia |� Singapore |� South Korea |� Sri Lanka |� Syria |� Taiwan |� Thailand |� Tajikistan |� Turkey |� Turkmenistan |� United Arab Emirates |� Uzbekistan |� Vietnam |� Yemen | The Safest States To Live In The U.S.Most Populated Cities In China CityPopulationShanghai22,315,474Beijing11,716,620Tianjin11,090,314Guangzhou11,071,424Shenzhen10,358,381Wuhan9,785,388Dongguan8,000,000Chongqing7,457,600Chengdu7,415,590Nanjing7,165,292 Popular Atlas Pages� Africa� Antarctica� Asia� Oceania� Caribbean� Central America� Europe� Middle East� North America� South America� Arctic� Islands� USA� Canada� Definition of Geography� 5 Themes of Geography� What Is Cartography? Popular Reference Pages� Did You Know?� Bodies of Water� Continents� Countries (a list)� Country Codes (all)� Currency Conversion� Current Time (anywhere)� Distances� Equator� Find Any Address� Find Any City� Flags� Hemispheres� Latitude and Longitude� Map Tests� Oceans (all)� Outline Maps� Populations (cities & countries)� Prime Meridian� USA Times� World Maps� United States Ancient china map geography Codes Chinese Geography: Readings and Maps | Asia for Educators | Columbia University Chinese Geography: Readings and MapsThe consultant for this unit was ProfessorRonald Knapp of the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz.Professor Knapp is a geographer who specializes on China.This unit begins with a set of maps, both general and outline, andthen divides discussion of China's geography into four topical areas.The discussion refers to the maps and other visuals imbedded in thetext.

Suggested Questions for Discussion thatcan be used to guide students through the material in all four topicsare grouped together at the end of the units.MAPS� General Maps (China in Asia)� Outline Maps (For classroom activity)RIVERS, BORDERS, and CIVILIZATIONS� Major Rivers� Huang He (Yellow River)� Chang Jiang (Yangzi River)� Zhu Jiang (Pearl River) Delta� Early Civilizations� Mountains and Deserts� Historical Borders� Bordering Nations� Supplementing Geography� The Great Wall� The Grand Canal� Terracing and IrrigationPOPULATION and AGRICULTURE� Population and Arable (Farming) Land� Agriculture in China� Crops� Wet Rice CycleGEOGRAPHY and REGIONS� Interregional Trade� Disparity among RegionsPOLITICAL DIVISIONS� Provinces� Municipalities� Autonomous Regions and China's Minorities� Special Administrative Regions (SARs)QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSIONMapsGeneral Maps (China in Asia)Visit the following sites to view and select maps aswell as other general background information about China.GeneralMap of China (1996)DetailedTopographicand Political Conditions (1996)ViewingChina from space (1999)Produced by the NationalGeographic Society, this satellite image of China has bordersand cities superimposed on it and reveals the striking regionaldifferences in China's topography.PoliticalMap of East Asia (1996)InteractiveMap Viewer (National Geographic)PopulationDensities in AsiaChina'sLinguistic Groups (1990)Outline Maps (For classroom use)The outline maps included below are designed to be used as transparenciesthat can be overlaid on an overhead projector to demonstrate the diversityof China's physical and cultural geography.

Copies can be printed outand reproduced also for student use. Many of the descriptive sectionsbelow utilize the maps in ways to sharpen student's understanding ofChina's geography. They may all be printed out now or printed as theyare introduced below.China and the WorldSurrounding NationsChina (An Outline)Major RiversMountains and DesertsAgriculturalRegions and CropsCourse Changes of theHuang He/Yellow RiverHistorical Bordersin Four PeriodsThe Great Wall andthe Grand CanalRivers,Borders and CivilizationMajor RiversChina's two major rivers, the Huang He (Yellow River) and the Chang Jiang (Yangzi or YangtzeRiver), as well as the Pearl River (Zhu Jiang) delta system markedby the Xi Jiang (West River) in southeastern China, have provided theframework for agricultural development and population growth throughoutChina's history.

Another river, the Heilong Jiang (known also as theAmur River, its Russian name) marks the border between China and Russia;at times in the past, this area was one of confrontation between theneighbors.

The drainage basins of China's rivers differ in terms ofextent and topography, offering varying opportunities for agriculturaldevelopment. Because some of China's largest rivers have their sourceregions on the high Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and drop great distancesover their middle and lower courses, China is rich in hydroelectricresources.Each of these rivers has special characteristics and associated problemsat different locations along their courses.

(Note that "he" and "jiang" areboth translated into English as "river." In English, thereare of course many words that differentiate flowing water accordingto size and character � stream, brook, creek, river, just fora couple of examples.

In the Chinese language, similar differencesare expressed but the common words usually translated into Englishas "river"can be further clarified somewhat.

"Jiang" ? is themost common descriptor for"river" in Chinese, signifying a stream that is often geologicallyyoung which cuts through a narrow valley. "He" ? ,on the other hand, is generally used for a river that is broad andgeologically old. In this regard, much of the lower course of the HuangHe is reminiscent of the sluggish Mississippi River while the middleand upper sections of the Chang Jiang resemble the unruly ColoradoRiver.

It is thus ancient china map geography to say Huang He River or Chang Jiang River.)� Huang He (Yellow River). China's second longest river, the Huang He risesin Qinghai province and flows some 5464 km to the Yellow Sea. Crystalclear lakes and sluggish meandering are characteristic in its upperreaches. Along the Great Bend of the Huang He in its middle course,the unruly river carves its way through the loessial plateau withsubstantial erosion taking place.

As the river erodes the loess,it becomes a "river of mud"(Loessial soil is called huang tu ancient china map geography "yellow eaChina - History and GeographyA brief history and geography of China from the most ancient dynasty to1900.Note that the borders of what was designated as �China� varied over thecenturies, though the fertile area along the Yellow R iver(Huang He) in Northern Chinawas always central.

From the earliest recorded times, the Chinesehave produced beautiful bronzes, pottery, jade and silk - unique artswith exquisite craftsmanship. China - History and GeographyChina from space Ancient China was builtalong the two main rivers�first the Yellow River (Huang He) in the north, and later the Yangtze in the south.

In the settlements along the YellowRiver, people grew millet in the rich, easily worked loess soil. In thesouth, people grew rice along the Yangtze river, ate a good deal of fish,together with vegetables, especially water plants such as water chestnuts andlotus. Along with dogs, pigs and cattle, people in the south had waterbuffalos to help work the soil.

By the heavy use of human labor, thesame area of land in the south could grow about twice as much food as inthe north.All Under HeavenThe seasonal monsoon winds that blow north from the Indian Ocean overAsia produce vast amounts of rainfall in the Himalayan Mountains and theTibetan Plateau.

Some of this water, along with rich sediments,flows across the Chinese Plain creating fertile farmland. The fertile areas of Eastern China are surrounded bydeserts, vast steppes, high mountains and impassable jungles. Because of thisthe early civilization of China developed more independently than thoseof the Indus, Tigris and Euphrates, and Nile River valleys, which werealways in contact with each other.

This gave rise to a feeling inChina was the world, that it was "All Under Heaven", surrounded bylesser regions populated by barbarians.Xia Dynasty and beforeThe Xia dynasty wasrecorded in traditional Chinese histories as the oldest of the ancient dynasties.The existence of this dynasty has been disputed, though some archeologicalevidence for it has been discovered.From the sometimes elaborate burials, one can tell thatthere was already major social stratification�some people were buried withhundreds of grave goods-pots, pieces of jade, etc.

others with nothing.There were distinct styles in pottery and jade in different areas,some of which reached high levels of sophistication, especially the thin-walledpottery with an almost metallic luster.At the beginning of the Shang Dynasty, the Chinese alreadyhad hemp, silk, sophisticated pottery and pictographs on the oracle bones.It is unclear if these pictographs were a complete written language, capableof narrative, or if these pictographs represented only names, abstract ideasand objects.

In either case, they evolved into the modern written Chineselanguage. Shang Dynasty and Western Zhou -771 BCShang Bronze The Shang Dynasty hada complete written language, so there is a written record of their accomplishments. Bronze vases fromthe Shang, made with sophisticated casting techniques, are large enoughto hold a man, and are exquisitely decorated with Chinese characters, plantsand animals.

The molds were made in pieces, then joined together. They arebreathtaking to look at, even if one has no idea how ancient they are.Ancient Chinese characters on an "Oracle Shell" used to tell fortunesSoothsayers in the Shang dynasty held a heated piece of metal againsta turtle shell or shoulder blades of cattle to make cracks, which were then�read� as a positive, negative or neutral response to the question whichhad been posed.

From the inscriptions on these oracle bones, we knowthat the king �communicated� with his ancestors, asking for success in ventures,good harvests, etc. The King was considered especially effective insupplications for good fortune for the kingdom. Participating in ritualsand divinations were a major part of the king�s duties.Family was extremely important, as one�s ancestors wouldgive help and guidance to dutiful descendants, and one would someday bereceiving offerings from one�s own sons and grandsons.

The presentfamily was seen as a point in a line extending both directions: into thepast as one appealed to one�s ancestors for help and guidance and into thefuture as one received the proper rituals and offerings from one�s descendents.Accompanying the important burials were the bodiesof a hundred or more servants or slaves sacrificed, presumably to attendto the wishes of the deceased in the afterlife. Along with the dead servantswere finely worked bronzes, pottery, jade and other grave goods.

Jadewas shaped and polished by sand to form beads and jewelry, requiring manyhours of skilled and careful work.

The bronze pieces speak of a societywhere royalty could command labor from many workers, from miners to skilledsculptors, and the people to feed the many artisans, to produce art worksfor them. While the jade does not require hours underground haulingup ore, it took many hours of polishing with sand or other abrasives toshape t