Originated from snowy Geladandong, the main peak of Tanggula Mountains on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, Yangtze River (Changjiang), over 6,300 kilometers long, is the largest and longest river in China, and the third-longest in the world, next only to the Nile in northeast Africa and the Amazon in South America.  The river flows from west to east through 11 provinces finally emptying into the East China Sea.  With plenty of rainfall all year round, the Yangtze River is named the golden watercourse.
The most impressive section of the river is the three Yangtze River gorges: Qutang Gorge, Wuxia Gorge and Xiling Gorge, collectively known as Sanxia, or the Three Gorges.

Reputed as the Golden Water Route, the Yangtze River has not only a high value for shipping, but also numerous scenic and historical sites.  The drainage area of the Yangtze River is rich in products and the economy is well developed.  Many metropolises such as Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhuan and Chongqing are distributed along the river.